a useful answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a response that provides helpful information or guidance. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I found that the suggestions provided were indeed a useful answer to my questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Jim Lehrer asked him: 'Why didn't you resign?' Powell couldn't give a useful answer".

The New York Times

The South African André Brink has found a useful answer to this question.

The New York Times - Books

"We'll need long-term studies, and there won't be a useful answer for years.

The New Yorker

A typical question is what people call a heavy rain; a useful answer is a word like "gullywasher".

The New York Times - Arts

Similarly, typing "England average income" yields a useful answer in Link No.1 on Google's list and No.3 on Yahoo.

The New York Times - Tech

Are there other resources you'd suggest to help me get up to speed as quickly as possible?" Should this inquiry yield a useful answer, great.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Bert became quietly adept at swerving any useful answer.

The Guardian - Music

However, a group of researchers at John Moores University, in Liverpool, England, has just come up with a medically useful answer.

The Economist

If this does not set things straight, please explain what your goal is and maybe I'll be able to give you a more useful answer.

Yale University

We limit our analyses to only include trials on the relevant daily doses of SGLT-2i to give the evidence-based clinician a more useful answer.

BMJ Open

I approached PlayStation and a variety of TV manufacturers over the weekend for an official response, and the first brand to come back with an actual useful answer is LG Electronics.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking help, formulate your questions precisely to receive "a useful answer". Clear questions lead to targeted and helpful responses.

Common error

Avoid asking overly broad questions. Vague inquiries often yield generic or irrelevant answers. Be specific to get "a useful answer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "useful" modifies the noun "answer". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase typically appears within a sentence to describe a response that provides helpful information or guidance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a useful answer" is a grammatically correct and semantically clear phrase used to describe a response that is both helpful and relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While not exceedingly frequent, it appears consistently across various contexts, notably in news, academic, and scientific domains. When aiming for clarity in communication, asking specific questions is essential to elicit "a useful answer". Alternatives include "a helpful response", "a valuable solution", and "an informative reply".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a helpful response

Replaces "answer" with "response", emphasizing the reaction or reply given.

a valuable solution

Substitutes "answer" with "solution", highlighting the problem-solving aspect of the response.

a practical explanation

Replaces "answer" with "explanation", focusing on making something understandable.

an informative reply

Uses "reply" instead of "answer", stressing the informational nature of the response.

a constructive feedback

Shifts from "answer" to "feedback", emphasizing guidance for improvement.

a relevant insight

Replaces "answer" with "insight", underscoring a deeper understanding provided.

a beneficial suggestion

Uses "suggestion" instead of "answer", focusing on offering advice or a course of action.

an effective resolution

Substitutes "answer" with "resolution", stressing the solving of a dilemma or a dispute.

a significant contribution

Replaces "answer" with "contribution", which puts more emphasis on the importance of the answer.

a productive response

Switches from 'useful' to 'productive', this makes the answer more meaningful.

FAQs

How can I ensure I get "a useful answer"?

Provide sufficient context when asking a question. The more information you provide, the better the chance of receiving "a useful answer".

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

Consider using synonyms such as "a helpful response", "a valuable solution", or "an informative reply" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary for an answer to be useful?

While not every answer is guaranteed to be useful, striving for usefulness ensures the response provides value, guidance, or clarity to the recipient. An alternative could be to provide "a relevant answer".

What makes an answer "a useful answer" rather than just an answer?

An answer becomes "a useful answer" when it is relevant, informative, and directly addresses the question asked, providing actionable insights or solutions.