an answer to the question

USAGE SUMMARY

"an answer to the question" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "He gave an answer to the question about the meeting's time and location."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It held an answer to the question I'd started with.

The New Yorker

Which suggests an answer to the question I started with.

The New York Times

But that is not an answer to the question asked.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why did I need an answer to the question?

The New York Times - Travel

But there is an answer to the question.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps we now have an answer to the question of "why sex"?

Independent

But it does provide an answer to the question of whether Mr Bush is presidential material.

The Economist

She did give an answer to the question the majority had declined to answer.

The New York Times

Mrs Lawrence is offering an answer to the question: is race still a problem in Britain?

The Economist

Nick grabbed at something closer to an answer to the question.

The Guardian

All this begs an answer to the question: who is responsible for the illicit business?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an answer to the question", ensure the context clearly identifies the question being addressed. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "an answer to the question" is always a definitive solution. Sometimes, it may only provide partial insight or lead to further inquiry. Clearly indicate the limitations of the answer if it doesn't fully resolve the question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an answer to the question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a resolution, explanation, or response to a specific inquiry. Ludwig AI validates this usage, providing numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an answer to the question" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that introduces a resolution or explanation to a specific inquiry. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly found in news and media, as well as academic and scientific contexts, making it suitable for a broad range of communicative purposes. The phrase's versatility and clear meaning contribute to its high usability in written English. While alternatives exist, such as "a solution to the problem" or "a response to the query", "an answer to the question" remains a straightforward and effective way to convey that an inquiry has been addressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solution to the problem

Focuses on the resolution to a specific problem rather than a general inquiry.

a response to the query

Replaces "answer" with "response" and "question" with "query", maintaining a formal tone.

a resolution to the matter

Shifts from a question to a broader matter or issue needing resolution.

an explanation for the phenomenon

Specifies that the question pertains to explaining a particular phenomenon.

the key to understanding

Emphasizes the importance of the answer in achieving comprehension.

a clarification regarding

Highlights the act of making something clearer, rather than a direct answer.

insight into the issue

Focuses on gaining understanding or perspective rather than a definitive answer.

the reason for this

Directly seeks the cause or explanation behind something.

a way to address the issue

Emphasizes the process of dealing with a problem, not necessarily finding a final answer.

the solution

A more concise alternative, omitting "an answer" and "the question" for brevity.

FAQs

How can I use "an answer to the question" in a sentence?

You can use "an answer to the question" to introduce a solution or explanation, as in "The research provided "an answer to the question" of why the experiment failed".

What's a more formal way to say "an answer to the question"?

A more formal alternative is "a response to the query", which is suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "an answer to the question" when seeking a solution?

You could use "a solution to the problem" if you're specifically looking for a resolution to a defined issue.

Is there a difference between "an answer to the question" and "insight into the issue"?

"An answer to the question" implies a direct response, while "insight into the issue" suggests a deeper understanding or perspective gained.