an answer was given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an answer was given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a response or solution has been provided to a question or problem. Example: "After much discussion, an answer was given to the committee's inquiry about the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Therefore, a responder could not proceed to subsequent questions until an answer was given.

BMC Infectious Diseases

There was no limit to response times in either test, and pictures stayed on the screen until an answer was given.

Biological Psychology

After the coding and categorization of the anonymous comments were finished, we broke the number code and identified whether an answer was given by a man or a woman.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For now, there is a paralyzing tension until an answer is given or a blow is landed.

The New York Times

Sometimes when a direct question is asked, an answer is given that for a lot of different reasons is not responsive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Students are asked to solve the equation "10 + 6 - 7 = ?" Whenever an answer is given, a woman's voice offers a range of encouraging responses, like "Great job!" or "Keep practicing".

The New York Times - Tech

Thus, the median number of days before an answer is given is probably more representative for the service than the average.

BMJ Open

In other words an answer is given to the following questions: (1) are patients able to flex the elbow against gravity?

BioMed Research International

Allocating viruses to different species requires that an answer be given to the perplexing question of identity: how different must two viruses be to be considered different types of virus and therefore members of different species?

Emerging Infectious Diseases

A correct answer was given a score 1 and an incorrect answer a score 0. The sum was computed and those who scored above the mean were labeled as knowledgeable.

Plosone

To ensure a socio-evaluative threat, participants were informed that they would be carefully monitored during the test by the experimenter and a buzzer would sound when an incorrect answer was given.

Environmental Science & Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an answer was given" in contexts where you want to emphasize that a response was provided, without necessarily focusing on who provided it. This passive construction is useful when the source of the answer is less important than the fact that an answer existed.

Common error

While "an answer was given" is grammatically correct, over-reliance on the passive voice can make writing sound indirect and less engaging. Consider using the active voice when appropriate to create a clearer and more direct sentence, such as "the expert provided an answer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an answer was given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a response or solution was provided. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The focus is on the action of answering rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an answer was given" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction to indicate that a response or solution has been provided. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active alternatives for more direct writing. The phrase is used across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news media, making it a valuable tool in both formal and neutral communications. Remember, that using the active form will yield a more direct sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a response was provided

Replaces "answer" with "response" and "given" with "provided", emphasizing the act of supplying information.

a solution was offered

Substitutes "answer" with "solution" and "given" with "offered", suggesting a resolution to a problem.

information was supplied

Replaces "answer" with "information" and uses "supplied" to highlight the delivery of details.

a reply was furnished

Uses "reply" instead of "answer" and "furnished" for a more formal tone, indicating the provision of a response.

the question was addressed

Focuses on the question being handled or dealt with, implying that an answer was part of the process.

a clarification was presented

Highlights that an explanation or clarification was given, focusing on making something clearer.

elucidation was offered

Replaces "answer" with "elucidation" to imply an explanation that makes something clear; very formal.

details were disclosed

Emphasizes revealing specific details as an answer, suitable when the answer involves uncovering facts.

the inquiry was resolved

Focuses on resolving an inquiry, suggesting the answer provided brought closure.

an explanation was rendered

Implies a formal or official provision of an explanation as an answer.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an answer was given" to sound more active?

You can use active voice constructions like "someone provided an answer", "they gave an answer", or "the expert answered the question". The choice depends on the context and who you want to emphasize as the provider of the answer.

What is the difference between "an answer was given" and "an answer was received"?

"An answer was given" focuses on the act of providing a response, while "an answer was received" emphasizes the act of obtaining a response. The former highlights the giver, and the latter, the receiver.

Is it more formal to say "an answer was given" or "a response was provided"?

Both phrases are relatively formal, but "a response was provided" might be perceived as slightly more formal due to the use of "provided", which is often used in more formal settings.

When is it best to use the passive voice construction "an answer was given"?

The passive voice is useful when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the action itself. For example, in situations where the source of the answer is not as important as the fact that an answer was provided.