an answer is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an answer is that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a response or explanation to a question or topic. Example: "When asked about the reasons for the delay, an answer is that unforeseen circumstances arose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

What kind of an answer is that?

The New York Times

The nearest she comes to an answer is that she came from outside Katine sub-county, and so is different from the people here.

The Guardian

My conclusion, which holds until it deigns to provide an answer, is that maize could not be grown in this country if it were subject the rules that apply to other crops.

The Guardian

One problem in finding an answer is that "al-Qaeda" is nebulous: it is at once a secret organisation, a network of militant groups and a diffuse social revolt.It includes a cluster of leaders around Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, thought to be sheltering in Pakistan's wild frontier after being evicted from Afghanistan.

The Economist

If one of the commonest critical responses to her work seems to be laudatory bafflement — "How does she do it?" — the beginning of an answer is that she proceeds with utmost confidence that she will be heard and that we will listen, even to her reticence.

The New Yorker

The first observation that may lead to an answer is that the time window for which appointments in a particular academic discipline are available seems to be growing shorter and shorter.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Do you like being a hunk?' Well, my answer is, 'That's not what I got into it for".

Independent

If a patient declines to answer, is that taken as permission to forgo life-sustaining treatment?

Los Angeles Times

My excuse for not having an answer was that he'd just opened his second packet of cigs that day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To which an obvious answer is that it has.

The Guardian

A partial answer is that mainframes are a lot cheaper and less beastly than they used to be.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an answer is that" to clearly introduce a direct response or explanation to a question or problem. It signals that you are about to provide a solution or a reason.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "an answer is that". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an answer is that" functions as a transitional phrase used to introduce an explanation, solution, or response to a question or problem. It clearly signals that what follows is intended to provide clarity or resolution, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an answer is that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a response or explanation. It functions as a transitional phrase, signaling that you are about to provide a solution or a reason. Ludwig confirms its suitability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and vary your sentence structure. Alternatives include "one explanation is that" or "the reason is that". As affirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is generally well-regarded and serves as a useful tool for providing clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a response is that

Replaces "answer" with "response", emphasizing the act of replying.

one explanation is that

Highlights that the statement is one of possibly multiple explanations.

the solution lies in

Indicates that the following statement provides a resolution to a problem.

the reason is that

Directly states that the following provides the cause of something.

it follows that

Implies a logical consequence or conclusion based on prior information.

the explanation for this is

Specifies that the upcoming statement will clarify a previous point.

what this means is

Clarifies the implications or significance of something already stated.

in other words

Offers a rephrased version of the previous statement for clarity.

put simply

Introduces a simplified explanation of a complex idea.

the crux of the matter is

Highlights the most important aspect or central point of a discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "an answer is that" in a sentence?

Use "an answer is that" to introduce an explanation or a solution to a posed question. For instance, "When asked about the company's success, "an answer is that" they focused on customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "an answer is that"?

You can use alternatives like "one explanation is that", "the reason is that", or "a possible solution is". These alternatives can add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity.

Is it grammatically correct to use "an answer is that"?

Yes, the phrase "an answer is that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both written and spoken English to introduce a response or explanation.

When is it appropriate to use "an answer is that"?

It's appropriate to use "an answer is that" when you want to explicitly state that you are providing a direct response or reason to a question or situation. It works well in formal and informal contexts.