a truthful answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a truthful answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to express that someone has provided an honest response or that an answer should be honest. For example, "I asked him what had happened, and he gave me a truthful answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"But when I'm asked a question, I give a truthful answer.

Independent

"I'm concerned that a truthful answer should implicate classified information," he said.

The New York Times

A truthful answer about the gifts to Ms. Lewinsky also would have raised the question of where they were.

The New York Times

Note to random strangers: when you ask "how did that happen?" you should not expect a truthful answer.

The Guardian

The witness, the lawyer continues, must become a user-unfriendly computer, producing a truthful answer but not a particularly expansive one.

The New York Times

And in case viewers are not clear on the significance, the Fraud Files ad quotes a state prosecutor Michael McCauliffe saying "a truthful answer to questions he was asked would incriminate him".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"If I was going to get a truly truthful answer from the President, I'd ask him if that's what our intelligence said, or if he manipulated or cherry-picked it," he said.

The New Yorker

Then he gives me an extraordinarily truthful answer that could stand in for every single question asked of him: "I'll be darned if I know". It's notable because so many politicians will now only sit for interviews in friendly territory like Fox News or MSNBC.

Los Angeles Times

A mysterious but truthful answer is that while I can gear myself up to do a novel, letters, real-life communications, are too much for me.

The New Yorker

The test is not whether the truthful answer in itself, or the facts discovered through an investigation prompted by that answer, would have justified a denial of citizenship.

Cornell University

Ask anyone why they like a candidate, and so many will, in between incoherent policy defenses, give you their truthful answer: "The candidate is exciting".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking information, specifically request "a truthful answer" to emphasize the importance of honesty and accuracy in the response. This sets a clear expectation for forthrightness.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a truthful answer" is always a complete answer. Someone can be truthful without revealing every detail, especially if some aspects are irrelevant or confidential. Ensure you ask follow-up questions to gather all necessary information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a truthful answer" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "truthful" modifies the noun "answer". It typically acts as the object of a verb, indicating the type of response expected or received, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a truthful answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the importance of honesty in a response. Ludwig's analysis shows it's frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, remember that while it calls for factual accuracy, it doesn't necessarily guarantee a complete answer. Consider using alternatives like "an honest response" or "a candid reply" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase, making it a reliable choice for various writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an honest response

Replaces "truthful" with "honest", emphasizing sincerity.

a genuine response

Focuses on the authenticity of the answer.

a sincere reply

Replaces "truthful" with "sincere", focusing on the genuineness of the response.

a candid reply

Substitutes "answer" with "reply" and "truthful" with "candid", suggesting frankness.

a veracious response

Uses "veracious" instead of "truthful", adding a touch of formality.

a straight answer

Emphasizes directness and lack of evasion in the response.

a factual reply

Emphasizes that the answer is based on facts and evidence.

an accurate response

Highlights the correctness and factual nature of the answer.

a reliable response

Highlights the dependability and trustworthiness of the answer.

the unvarnished truth

A more figurative way to express a raw and unfiltered answer.

FAQs

How can I ensure I receive "a truthful answer"?

Create a safe and non-judgmental environment that encourages honesty. Asking direct questions and explaining the importance of accurate information can also help. Consider the context; some individuals may be hesitant to provide full disclosure depending on the circumstances.

What is the difference between "a truthful answer" and "an honest answer"?

While both phrases emphasize sincerity, "a truthful answer" focuses on factual accuracy, whereas "an honest answer" emphasizes the speaker's intent to be forthright, even if the answer contains unintentional inaccuracies. The distinction lies in the emphasis on accuracy versus intent.

What should I do if I suspect I am not receiving "a truthful answer"?

Look for inconsistencies in the person's statements, consider the evidence available, and seek corroboration from other sources. If possible, rephrase the question or approach the topic from a different angle to see if the response changes.

Is it always necessary to demand "a truthful answer"?

No, the need for "a truthful answer" depends on the context and the purpose of the inquiry. In casual conversation, absolute truthfulness may not always be essential, but in legal, professional, or personal matters where accuracy is paramount, it is crucial.