a serious answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are requesting or emphasizing the need for a thoughtful or sincere response to a question or situation. Example: "I appreciate your input, but what I really need right now is a serious answer to my concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

OK, I don't expect a serious answer.

The New York Times

"Which is why I think that it was a serious answer".

The New York Times

A "serious answer," they have made clear in the past, would have to be one virtually equivalent to acceptance.

The New York Times

If you have a serious question for me, please consider a channel that gives me space for a serious answer, like email or Google+, not Twitter.

Harvard University

How can this situation be saved — can someone come up with a serious answer to that question, a route out of the ridiculousness?

The New Yorker

Who cares how I keep in shape?" A reporter asked a serious question about politics to which Ms. Thurman gave a serious answer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

A more serious answer is harder to encapsulate in one short blogpost.

The Guardian

"No, but that's a very serious answer to your question.

The New York Times - Sports

" Asked what his next target was, he joked: "3,001 … tomorrow!" Persuaded to give a more serious answer, he nominated the 3,112 career tally notched by Doug Smith, who retired almost half a century ago.

The Guardian - Sport

But like the academic that he is, Dr. Myers, 79, a professor of philosophy emeritus at Queens College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, then offered a more serious answer: "The overall objective is to interpret the cultural and aesthetic significance of the art form, including the spiritual and intellectual dimensions of dance".

The New York Times - Arts

To give a slightly more serious answer: I was imprinted, as the animal ethologists say, by the ink-on-paper culture at an early age, and after six years it began to seem unnatural to me that the words I wrote for my blog would never appear in hard copy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking information, frame your questions thoughtfully to elicit "a serious answer".

Common error

Recognize that not all inquiries require or deserve a thoughtful or in-depth response. Gauge the situation and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'to give', 'to expect', 'to need'). Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a serious answer" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to request or emphasize the need for a thoughtful and sincere response. As shown by Ludwig, it frequently appears in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating its use in situations where careful consideration is paramount. Its function is to highlight the importance of the answer, setting the tone for earnest and substantive communication. While the register is generally neutral to formal, recognizing when such an answer is appropriate remains key. Overall, aim for respectful and clear questions that demonstrate the need for a well-reasoned response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine response

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the answer.

a thoughtful reply

Highlights the careful consideration given to the answer.

a considered response

Suggests that the answer was carefully thought out.

a well-reasoned answer

Focuses on the logical and rational basis of the answer.

a sincere reply

Underscores the honesty and earnestness of the answer.

a truthful response

Highlights the veracity and accuracy of the answer.

an earnest answer

Emphasizes the seriousness and dedication behind the answer.

a weighty response

Implies the answer has significant importance or implications.

a substantive answer

Indicates the answer is meaningful and addresses the core issue.

a complete answer

Suggests the answer is thorough and leaves no questions unanswered.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious answer" when you expect a thoughtful or sincere response, as in "I need "a serious answer" to this question, not a joke".

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

Consider using phrases like "a genuine response", "a thoughtful reply", or "a considered response" as alternatives to "a serious answer" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to expect "a serious answer"?

It's appropriate to expect "a serious answer" when the question addresses an important issue or requires careful consideration, ensuring the respondent understands the gravity of the inquiry.

How does the tone of the question affect the likelihood of receiving "a serious answer"?

The tone significantly impacts the response; a respectful, clear, and well-articulated question is more likely to elicit "a genuine response" than a flippant or vague query.