a specific answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are requesting or referring to a precise or detailed response to a question or problem. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, I need a specific answer regarding the budget allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one can give a specific answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

You have a specific question that warrants a specific answer.

Yale University

"I cannot give you a specific answer on a particular strike," Carter said.

The Guardian

As our presenters made clear, this question is a difficult one without a specific answer.

University of California, Berkeley

And so I can't give you a specific answer about your area.

Cornell University

I know you want a specific answer, Lauri, but I can't give you one.

The New York Times

A. I've been working on this lately and I'll soon be able to give you a specific answer.

The New York Times

The chief justice never received a specific answer from the university's lawyer or from one representing the federal government.

The New York Times

"They work best for certain types of searches -- people doing research rather than someone seeking a specific answer or specific site," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

The psychologist Peter Bull describes her as a sphinx-like equivocator, author of a new technique of never giving a specific answer to a direct question.

The Guardian - Opinion

If students or their parents want assurances, we give them a specific answer because the person they need to see is on hand".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarification, specify you need "a specific answer" to avoid vague or general responses. This helps ensure you receive the precise information required.

Common error

Avoid asking overly general questions that prevent others from providing "a specific answer". Instead, break down your inquiry into smaller, more targeted questions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a response that is detailed, precise, and directly addresses a particular question or issue. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific answer" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that indicates the need for a precise and detailed response. Ludwig highlights its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication where clarity is paramount. When seeking or providing information, framing your requests or responses with "a specific answer" ensures directness and avoids ambiguity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precise response

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the response.

a detailed reply

Emphasizes the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the response.

an exact explanation

Highlights the clarity and unambiguous nature of the explanation.

a clearcut answer

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the response.

a definitive reply

Indicates the response is final and authoritative.

a targeted solution

Focuses on the direct applicability of the response to a particular problem.

a tailored response

Implies the response has been customized for a particular situation or individual.

a particular answer

Highlights the uniqueness and focused nature of the answer.

an explicit response

Emphasizes the clarity and openness of the response.

an unambiguous answer

Focuses on the clarity and lack of confusion in the response.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific answer" when you want a precise and detailed response, for example: "The lawyer requested "a specific answer" regarding the terms of the contract".

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

Alternatives to "a specific answer" include "a precise response", "a detailed reply", or "an exact explanation", each emphasizing different aspects of the response.

When is it appropriate to ask for "a specific answer"?

It's appropriate to ask for "a specific answer" when you require precise information and want to avoid ambiguity or generalities. This is particularly useful in legal, technical, or academic contexts.

What makes "a specific answer" different from a general answer?

"A specific answer" provides precise details and directly addresses the question, whereas a general answer offers broad information that may not fully resolve the query. For example, a doctor may give "a precise response" about your diagnosis instead of a general health suggestion.