an affirmative response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an affirmative response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a positive or agreeing reply to a question or request. Example: "We are looking for an affirmative response from the committee regarding the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do you?" He interpreted the roar as an affirmative response.

The New York Times - Arts

She hesitated for a decorous few days before giving an affirmative response.

The Guardian - Books

Once I received an affirmative response, I would strike a deal.

The New Yorker

And a photo­graph of cocklers at low tide in south Wales brings an affirmative response to the gentle probing of Sear, 61.

The Guardian

"How many people here had issues with their parents?" Eminem asked to an affirmative response before his mother-castigating 'Cleanin' Out My Closet'.

Independent

Even more shocking would have been an affirmative response to whether climate change was real and caused by man – a view that is held by no Republican running for president.

The Guardian

For an affirmative response, one might look to Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple, a 1,600-family 1,600-familylonging to Judaisynagogueervative movement, in the Westwood district of Los Angeles.

The New York Times

Pilots never multitask: if a pilot finds that she has to look at a map, she tells her co-pilot, "It's your airplane," and waits for an affirmative response — "I've got the jet" — before shifting focus.

The New Yorker

IN a telephone prank passed down by generations of children, the caller asks, "Is your refrigerator running?" and, after an affirmative response, the caller says, "Then you better go catch it".

The New York Times

Getting an affirmative response, he ended with the question, "Do you remember trying to sell yourself to British intelligence?" As Mr. Abdul Majid spluttered, "What do you mean?" Mr. Keen said he had no more questions, and the court adjourned for the day.

The New York Times

The value 0 was assigned to a negative response and 1 to an affirmative response.

Triple Helix

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an affirmative response" in formal contexts to convey a clear and unambiguous agreement or confirmation. This phrase is particularly suitable for professional or academic writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "an affirmative response" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "yes" or "okay" to maintain a natural tone and avoid sounding overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an affirmative response" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a positive or agreeing reply to a question, request, or proposal. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase denotes agreement or confirmation in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an affirmative response" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that denotes a positive or agreeing reply. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suitability across various contexts. While it's prevalent in formal settings such as science, news, and business, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone. Its communicative purpose is to convey agreement or confirmation, and it functions as a noun phrase in sentences. Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a positive answer

Replaces "response" with "answer", focusing on the positivity of the reply.

a definite yes

Simplifies the phrase to a straightforward expression of agreement.

a confirming reply

Substitutes "affirmative" with "confirming" and "response" with "reply", slightly altering the tone.

an agreeing reply

Uses "agreeing" instead of "affirmative", emphasizing the consensus aspect.

a confident confirmation

Focuses on the assuredness behind the positive response.

a verbal affirmation

Highlights that the positive response is communicated verbally.

a clear acceptance

Emphasizes the clarity and decisiveness of the agreement.

a favorable reaction

Shifts from a direct answer to a more general positive reaction.

a nod of assent

Replaces the verbal response with a non-verbal agreement.

a thumbs-up

Offers an informal, visual expression of agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "an affirmative response" to describe a positive reply to a question or request. For example: "The proposal requires "an affirmative response" from the board before proceeding".

What are some alternatives to "an affirmative response"?

You can use alternatives like "a positive answer", "a "confirming reply"", or "a "definite yes"" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "an affirmative response"?

It's best to use "an affirmative response" in formal or professional settings where clear and unambiguous communication is essential. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "an affirmative response" and "a positive answer"?

While both phrases indicate agreement, "an affirmative response" often implies a more formal or official context. "A "positive answer"" can be used more broadly, but "an affirmative response" is specific and unambiguous.