a sufficient answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sufficient answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether a response meets the necessary criteria or adequately addresses a question or issue. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I believe that the explanation provided is a sufficient answer to the concerns raised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Helping" is not a sufficient answer.

The New Yorker

But this is not a sufficient answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, "in today's world, people realize that that is just not a sufficient answer".

The Guardian

He breaks off "I really, really can't give you a sufficient answer".

The New Yorker

One could point out that there weren't many slaves in the plantation-free mountains, but that isn't quite a sufficient answer.

The New Yorker

The mayor is correct to say, 'Look, there's no money,' but I don't know that the next mayor is going to feel that that is a sufficient answer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

This seemed to him an entirely sufficient answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if the intervening decades have taught us anything (and let's face it, they probably haven't), it's that every Woodstock generates its own Altamont, or Woodstock '99, and that love may be a necessary but not sufficient answer to life's trials.

The New York Times - Books

However, sequence motifs may be a necessary condition for some of the hotspots, but not the sufficient answer, as many genomic regions harboring target motifs are not recombination hotspots.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Shares... "Sufficient answer to all; Shares.

The Guardian - Books

The fact that The Washington Post included four of them on its list of 100 was sufficient answer for me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating responses, use "a sufficient answer" to convey that the response adequately addresses the question or concern, meeting the required criteria. Ensure the context aligns with the level of adequacy you wish to express.

Common error

Avoid using "a sufficient answer" when the response only partially addresses the question or falls short of providing a complete resolution. Ensure the answer genuinely meets the necessary requirements before deeming it sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sufficient answer" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sufficient" modifies the noun "answer". This phrase typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing the quality of the answer provided. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sufficient answer" is a common phrase used to describe a response that adequately addresses a question or concern. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While versatile in register, it's essential to ensure the answer genuinely meets the requirements before deeming it sufficient, avoiding overstatements. Alternative phrases like "an adequate response" or "a satisfactory reply" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sufficient response

Synonymous, but slightly more formal.

an adequate response

Focuses on the acceptability of the response, suggesting it meets a minimum requirement.

a satisfactory reply

Emphasizes that the answer is pleasing and fulfills expectations.

a valid explanation

Focuses on the logical soundness and correctness of the explanation.

a complete explanation

Highlights the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the explanation.

a fitting response

Indicates the answer is appropriate and suitable for the situation.

a fulfilling answer

Suggests the answer is satisfying and resolves the questioner's needs.

a conclusive response

Implies the answer is definitive and leaves no room for doubt.

a definitive answer

Implies a final and authoritative response.

an acceptable solution

Focuses on the solution being agreeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sufficient answer" to describe a response that adequately addresses a question or problem. For example, "The explanation provided was "a sufficient answer" to the concerns raised."

What's the difference between "a sufficient answer" and "an adequate response"?

"A sufficient answer" and "an adequate response" are similar, but ""a sufficient answer"" implies the response meets the necessary requirements, while "an adequate response" suggests it is just acceptable or satisfactory.

What are some alternatives to "a sufficient answer"?

Alternatives to "a sufficient answer" include "an adequate response", "a satisfactory reply", or "a complete explanation depending on the context".

Is "a sufficient answer" formal or informal?

"A sufficient answer" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.