an evasive response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an evasive response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a reply that avoids answering a question directly or clearly. Example: "When asked about his plans for the future, he gave an evasive response that left everyone confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

When they are, an evasive response is usually accepted.

The Guardian - Sport

On each of these the well-prepared prime minister had either a sharp reply or an evasive response to nullify the attack.

The Guardian - Opinion

Asking a question like, "What church do you belong to?" may draw an evasive response, such as, "We're just a non-denominational Bible-believing church," whereas any other legitimate group would state the name of their church.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

According to the newspaper Haaretz, Mr. Sharon wrote Ms. Blumenthal a letter today in which he accused her of giving an "evasive response" about the affair and of damaging the reputation of Likud.

The New York Times

When I have raised this with the academic staff who support doctoral students, I often get an evasive response – "It's a tricky situation, isn't it?" – or just an empathetic nod of the head.

The Guardian

Dr. Dean did seem perturbed during some of the program, and many of his answers -- especially an evasive response about whether Canadian same-sex marriages should be accepted in the United States -- showed he is all too aware of the political consequences of his self-proclaimed boldness.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It was a curiously evasive response from a man who in 2013 said the GOP needed to "stop being the stupid party" – not least because he was a biology major at Brown University, an Ivy League school, and a Rhodes scholar.

The Guardian

He then gave a typically exaggerated account of Polisario's military successes – and a typically evasive response to questions about how he was planning to counter Morocco's building of a massive sand wall cordoning off the economically useful part of the territory.

The Guardian

We can't have been the only ones ringing so constantly, and judging by Channel 4's attempts yesterday, everyone got a similarly evasive response.

Vice

And as I have attempted to argue earlier, it is a feeble and evasive response to accuse the white critic, in making that flat statement, of emulating the child who shot his parents and then pleaded for mercy as an orphan.

The New Yorker

22 Nov - 21 Dec Conference calls during the early part of the week look loaded with high emotion and misinformation, needing a cool (if not downright evasive) response until the dust settles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you encounter "an evasive response", consider the speaker's motivation. Are they protecting sensitive information, avoiding conflict, or simply unprepared to answer directly? Understanding the context will help you interpret the response appropriately.

Common error

While "an evasive response" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a vague reply" or "a non-committal answer" to maintain reader engagement and add nuance to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an evasive response" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "give an evasive response") or the subject of a clause. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the type of answer given in a specific situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

23%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an evasive response" is a noun phrase that describes a response designed to avoid directly answering a question. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it's grammatically correct and used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While relatively uncommon, this phrase offers a precise way to characterize indirect or misleading answers. To enhance writing, consider alternatives like "a non-committal answer" or "a vague reply" and always evaluate the context to understand the motivation behind the evasiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a non-committal answer

This alternative shifts from describing the response to describing the answer itself, emphasizing the lack of commitment.

a vague reply

This alternative emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision in the reply.

a dodging answer

This alternative highlights the act of actively avoiding the question.

a circumlocutory explanation

This alternative suggests a roundabout and indirect explanation, often used to avoid the main point.

a prevaricating statement

This alternative implies a deliberate attempt to conceal the truth or mislead.

a deceptive answer

This alternative focuses on the misleading nature of the answer.

a stonewalling tactic

This phrase describes a deliberate obstruction of inquiry through silence or evasiveness.

sidestepping the issue

This describes an indirect reaction where the key aspect of a certain subject is ignored or avoided entirely.

beating around the bush

This idiom refers to discussing a topic without directly addressing the main point.

a diversionary tactic

This shifts the focus to the intention behind the response, which is to divert attention from the original question.

FAQs

How can I identify "an evasive response"?

An "evasive response" is characterized by indirectness, vagueness, and a failure to directly address the question. Speakers might change the subject, offer irrelevant details, or provide answers that are technically true but ultimately misleading.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "an evasive response"?

You can use alternatives like "a non-committal answer", "a vague reply", or "a dodging answer" to describe a response that avoids directly answering a question.

Is it always negative to give "an evasive response"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, "an evasive response" is used to protect sensitive information, avoid conflict, or buy time to formulate a more complete answer. The context determines whether it's appropriate or not.

What's the difference between "an evasive response" and a lie?

An "evasive response" avoids directly answering the question or revealing the truth, whereas a lie is a direct statement that is known to be false. Evasiveness focuses on omission or ambiguity, while lying involves active deception.