a real answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a real answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to a genuine answer to a question, for example "I hope my professor gives me a real answer to my question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm getting a real answer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Give a real answer," Mr. Burdette advised.

The New York Times

"I don't think there's a real answer".

The New York Times - Sports

I didn't expect a real answer.

The Guardian - Film

"Occupy Wall Street is not a real answer.

The New York Times

I'm not sure I have a real answer.

The New Yorker

But he wasn't looking for a real answer.

The New York Times

TER: Because there has to be a real answer.

The New York Times

At the moment, national Democrats have little in the way of a real answer.

The New Yorker

"We've asked them why, and they haven't given us a real answer".

The New York Times - Sports

"Bush won't give a real answer on Roe v. Wade, " Mr. Forbes said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarity or a direct response, use "a real answer" to emphasize the need for honesty and transparency. This phrase is particularly effective in professional and academic settings where accuracy is crucial.

Common error

Be specific about what constitutes "a real answer" in your context. Otherwise, your audience might interpret your request differently, leading to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. It emphasizes the genuineness of the answer being sought or provided. The examples in Ludwig suggest a desire for honesty and directness in communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a real answer" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the need for a genuine and truthful response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that the expectation for honesty is well-understood. Alternatives such as "a genuine response" or "a truthful reply" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine response

Replaces "answer" with "response" emphasizing the authenticity of the reply.

a truthful reply

Substitutes "real answer" with words highlighting honesty and directness.

an authentic explanation

Changes "answer" to "explanation", focusing on a genuine clarification.

a substantive response

Uses "substantive" to emphasize the meaningful and significant quality of the response.

a credible explanation

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the explanation.

a factual response

Highlights that the response is based on facts and evidence.

a legitimate answer

Indicates that the answer is valid and conforms to expectations.

a valid reply

Highlights that the reply is justifiable and acceptable.

a concrete response

Indicates that the response is specific and tangible rather than vague.

a definitive answer

Suggests that the answer is conclusive and leaves no room for doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "a real answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a real answer" to emphasize the need for a genuine or truthful response. For example, "I'm not looking for excuses, I want "a real answer" about what happened."

What's a good alternative to "a real answer"?

Some alternatives to "a real answer" include "a genuine response", "a truthful reply", or "an authentic explanation", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a real answer" or "the real answer"?

Both "a real answer" and "the real answer" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A real answer" implies any genuine response, while "the real answer" suggests there is one specific correct answer.

What does it mean to ask for "a real answer"?

Asking for "a real answer" means you're seeking a response that is honest, direct, and not evasive. It indicates a desire for transparency and truthfulness in the information provided.