an affirmative answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"an affirmative answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting to confirm that something is a positive answer. For example, "Can I have a raise?" "Yes, I'm sure we can give you an affirmative answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The room supports an affirmative answer.

The New York Times - Arts

"You wanna play with me?" she asks the audience, saucer eyes demanding an affirmative answer.

The New York Times

The following lemma gives an affirmative answer.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We shall give an affirmative answer.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The main application yields an affirmative answer to [C.

Journal of Functional Analysis

We give an affirmative answer to this question.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We will give an affirmative answer by our next theorem.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We give an affirmative answer in this section.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Furthermore, we provide an affirmative answer to Question 1.1.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

First, we give an affirmative answer to Question P2.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

We again give an affirmative answer in this section.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity or in less formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "yes", "agreed", or "confirmed".

Common error

Avoid using "an affirmative answer" in very casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or even stilted. Opt for simpler responses like "yes" or "okay" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an affirmative answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a positive response or confirmation to a question, request, or proposal. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an affirmative answer" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that signifies a positive response or confirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across diverse contexts. Its primary function is to clearly and formally indicate agreement, making it particularly suitable for scientific, news, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in casual conversation, opting for simpler alternatives like "yes" or "okay". To add variety while retaining a similar meaning, consider related phrases such as "a positive response" or "a confirmation". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "an affirmative answer" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a positive response

Replaces "affirmative" with "positive" and "answer" with "response", maintaining the core meaning of a confirming reply.

a favorable reply

Substitutes "affirmative" with "favorable", highlighting the positive nature of the response.

a confirmation

Shortens the phrase to a single noun, emphasizing the act of confirming something.

a consenting response

Replaces "affirmative" with "consenting", emphasizing agreement or permission.

an agreement

Focuses on the aspect of agreement rather than a direct response.

a validation

Suggests that something has been proven or confirmed as true.

an endorsement

Highlights approval and support, implying more than just a simple 'yes'.

a go-ahead

An informal term that means permission to proceed.

an okay

A simple and informal way to express agreement or permission.

a nod of approval

Conveys agreement through a gesture rather than words.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an affirmative answer"?

The phrase "an affirmative answer" is suitable for formal situations, such as in legal, academic, or professional contexts, where a clear and unambiguous confirmation is needed. It's also appropriate when responding to a direct question or proposal.

What are some alternatives to "an affirmative answer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a positive response", "a confirmation", or simply "yes". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "an affirmative answer" and "a positive answer"?

While similar, "an affirmative answer" often implies a more formal and explicit agreement or confirmation. "A positive answer" can be slightly broader, suggesting a favorable or optimistic response, but not necessarily a direct agreement. So, depending on context, "a positive answer" might be more adequate.

How can I use "an affirmative answer" in a sentence?

You can use "an affirmative answer" in sentences like: "The lawyer received "an affirmative answer" from the witness." or "The proposal was met with "an affirmative answer" from the board."