a substantive answer to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive answer to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response that is thorough and detailed. For example, "He gave a substantive answer to the difficult question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Political for the mayor means, 'I don't have a substantive answer to the allegations being made but I have to say something, so let me attack,' " he said.

The New York Times

One sub-activity, question-answering, is to produce a substantive answer to the question as one would do in ordinary conversation.

Linguistics and Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But what Aguilera lacked in any substantive answers to his questions, she made up for by announcing that she would be premiering her new music video for "Your Body" on his show this Wednesday.

Huffington Post

With the two Republican candidates who spoke most frequently on these issues -- former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul -- out of the race, Ohio Gov. John Kasich seems to be the candidate left with the clearest record on criminal justice and the one who offered the most substantive answer to a criminal justice question at a debate.

Huffington Post

Mr. de Blasio offered little in the way of a substantive answer, declining to articulate an alternative way to pay for the plan, dismissing signs that the governor is leery of raising taxes, and concluding, blandly: "We have to focus on the positive notion that this is what the people of New York City want".

The New York Times

The standard response to a question like this is to sidestep it and say: "I've got a lot more to do," but Brown gave a substantive answer.

The Guardian

Called Indivisible, it was written by "former congressional staffers who witnessed the rise of the Tea Party," and it repurposes their successful tactics: spread protesters throughout a town hall to project broad consensus, look friendly or neutral so campaign staffers choose you to ask questions, refuse to give back the mic until the representative has given a substantive answer.

Huffington Post

"I think it's a very hard dialogue with the consumer, face to face, as we have to as a retailer, when in fact there probably isn't a substantive answer," Schultz said.

Huffington Post

I could give very erudite and intimidating answers to other people, the sort of bullshit that anyone with an English degree can throw up as a smokescreen, but I didn't have a substantive answer that I believed in.

The New Yorker

If she'd ventured a substantive answer and misidentified the Bush Doctrine as something it clearly is not, she'd be finished.

The Guardian - Opinion

He concludes:Cain deserves some credit for addressing his critics and offering a substantive answer about China as a security threat, confirming reports that he has been cramming on foreign policy, but he still wasn't completely coherent or informed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantive answer to" when you want to convey that the response is not superficial but goes into considerable depth and provides meaningful information.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantive answer to" when a simpler term like "an answer" or "a response" suffices. The term "substantive" is best reserved for situations where the answer is indeed detailed and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive answer to" functions as a descriptor, indicating that a response provides significant and in-depth information regarding a specific question or topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantive answer to" is a phrase used to describe a thorough and meaningful response to a question or issue. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While the phrase appears more frequently in news and scientific contexts, it conveys a sense of depth and significance in the answer provided. Consider using synonyms such as "a meaningful response to" or "a thorough reply to" for variety. Overall, use this phrase when you want to emphasize the detailed and thoughtful nature of a response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful response to

Emphasizes the significance and impact of the answer.

a thorough reply to

Highlights the comprehensiveness and detail of the response.

a detailed explanation for

Focuses on providing a clear and elaborate account.

a comprehensive response regarding

Stresses the broad coverage of the answer in relation to a topic.

an in-depth answer concerning

Indicates a deep and penetrating exploration of the subject.

a well-reasoned response to

Highlights the logical and rational basis of the answer.

a thoughtful answer to

Suggests the answer is the product of careful consideration.

a considered reply to

Indicates that the answer has been carefully evaluated and formed.

an elaborate explanation of

Focuses on the detailed and intricate nature of the provided explanation.

a complete and utter response to

Emphasizes the wholeness and finality of the answer provided.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantive answer to" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantive answer to" when you want to describe a response that provides meaningful and in-depth information. For example, "The professor gave "a substantive answer to" the student's complex question".

What are some alternatives to "a substantive answer to"?

Alternatives include "a meaningful response to", "a thorough reply to", or "a detailed explanation for", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for an answer to be "substantive"?

When an answer is described as "substantive", it means that it is not superficial or trivial but rather provides significant, in-depth information and addresses the core issues of the question.

Is it always better to give "a substantive answer to" a question?

Not always. While "a substantive answer to" shows thoroughness, sometimes a concise answer is more appropriate. The context and the needs of the person asking the question should guide your response.