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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a total answer

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a complete or comprehensive response to a question or problem. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, I believe I have provided a total answer to the inquiry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It's not a total answer to the jobs that we've lost," Sink said.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I don't suppose this is going to be a total answer to the problem... there are limits".

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Troops are a portion of the answer but not the total answer".

News & Media

Independent

But hybrids might not be the total answer either.

News & Media

The New York Times

Fifteen percent of the total answers showed a high risk of error, with 25% in drug management.

Fifty-nine learners (67%) completed the course by submitting a total of 177 answers (3 answers per learner) in the homework assignments.

All answered all 20 scenarios, giving a total of 300 answers per doctor/student group, and 300 answers per type of calculation.

All answered all 20 scenarios, giving a total of 300 answers per doctor/student group, and 300 answers per type of calculation (Table  1).

Over total answering Yes to previous question.

* Percent values were expressed as ratio in total answers.

For New York governor Andrew Cuomo, presiding over a subway system that's become a total nightmare, the answer seems to be: Hope your constituents think it's someone else's fault.

News & Media

Vice
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a total answer" when you want to convey that the response completely addresses the question or problem at hand, leaving no significant aspect unaddressed. It emphasizes completeness and finality.

Common error

Avoid using "a total answer" if the response only partially addresses the issue, or if further clarification is needed. Overstating the completeness can undermine your credibility.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total answer" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the predicate nominative or object of a verb. It describes the nature of a response, emphasizing its completeness and comprehensiveness, as evidenced in the Ludwig examples.

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 total answer" is a phrase used to describe a complete and comprehensive response. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness but notes its infrequent usage. It is applicable in both News & Media and Scientific contexts, but it's essential to ensure the answer truly warrants such a claim of completeness, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives like "a complete response" or "a comprehensive solution" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

FAQs

What does "a total answer" mean?

The phrase "a total answer" refers to a complete and comprehensive response that fully addresses a question, problem, or situation. It implies that all aspects have been considered and resolved.

When is it appropriate to use "a total answer" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a total answer" when you believe you've provided a comprehensive and exhaustive response that leaves no major questions unanswered. However, ensure that your answer truly warrants such a claim.

What are some alternatives to "a total answer"?

You can use alternatives like "a complete response", "a comprehensive solution", or "a full explanation" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a total answer" and "the whole answer"?

While both imply completeness, "a total answer" emphasizes a comprehensive and exhaustive response, whereas "the whole answer" focuses on providing all aspects or parts of the response. Using "the whole answer" shifts the focus from a response itself, towards the overall coverage.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: