ambivalent answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambivalent answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a response that expresses mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about a particular issue or question. Example: "When asked about his opinion on the new policy, he gave an ambivalent answer that left everyone confused about his true stance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Curiously, when I ask whether this was the toughest part she's ever tackled, she gives an ambivalent answer.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Interestingly, when asked whether stimulant intake was helpful for obtaining better academic results, the participants gave rather ambivalent answers.

BMC Medical Ethics

Ambivalent, is the answer.

The Guardian

In an e-mail, he described his response to the naming rights deal as "ambivalent," adding: "The short answer is, I understand to an extent.

The New York Times - Sports

Answers are ambivalent and in the end the questions remain.

The Guardian

(We're ambivalent about ambivalence).

The New York Times - Magazine

Setting aside the shoulds and the whys behind which name to pick, the obvious answer for the ambivalent is to use both.

The New York Times

Hill, for his part, had a more ambivalent reaction to Pelosi's answer.

Huffington Post

The response was ambivalent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Brecht's response was ambivalent.

The Guardian

One answer is that not all countries are quite so ambivalent about sovereignty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambivalent answer" when you want to convey that a response contains mixed feelings, contradictory ideas, or a lack of clear commitment to a particular viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "ambivalent answer" when the speaker is simply undecided. Ambivalence implies a simultaneous pull in different directions, while indecision suggests a lack of any firm inclination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambivalent answer" functions as a descriptor, modifying the noun "answer". It indicates the quality or nature of the response, suggesting it's not straightforward or clear-cut. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambivalent answer" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a response characterized by mixed feelings, contradictory ideas, or a lack of clear commitment. Ludwig AI confirms this and provides examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While not exceedingly common, it's appropriate in various contexts, including news, scientific discussions, and formal communications. Remember to consider the subtle difference between ambivalence and simple indecision when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "equivocal response" or "mixed response" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivocal response

Replaces "answer" with "response" and "ambivalent" with "equivocal", suggesting a similar sense of uncertainty or ambiguity.

uncertain reply

Substitutes "answer" with "reply" and "ambivalent" with "uncertain", highlighting the lack of clarity in the response.

mixed response

Replaces "ambivalent answer" with a general description of a response containing both positive and negative elements.

conflicted reply

Emphasizes the internal struggle or opposing viewpoints reflected in the response.

undecided response

Focuses on the lack of a firm decision or opinion expressed in the answer.

guarded answer

Highlights the cautious or reserved nature of the response, implying a reluctance to fully commit to a particular viewpoint.

qualified response

Indicates that the answer is not a straightforward affirmation or denial but is subject to certain conditions or limitations.

hesitant answer

Suggests that the answer was given with some reluctance or uncertainty.

vague reply

Emphasizes the lack of specificity or clarity in the response, making it difficult to understand the speaker's true position.

two-sided answer

Highlights the presence of opposing viewpoints or considerations within the response.

FAQs

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

You can use "ambivalent answer" to describe a response that expresses mixed feelings or contradictory ideas, such as, "When asked about his opinion on the new policy, he gave an "ambivalent answer" that left everyone confused about his true stance".

What can I say instead of "ambivalent answer"?

You can use alternatives like "equivocal response", "uncertain reply", or "mixed response" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "ambivalent answer"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to describe a response that expresses mixed or conflicting feelings.

What's the difference between "ambivalent answer" and "evasive answer"?

"Ambivalent answer" indicates mixed feelings or uncertainty, while an "evasive answer" is designed to avoid directly addressing the question.