an indirect answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indirect answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that does not directly address the question or topic at hand. Example: "When asked about his plans for the future, he gave an indirect answer that left everyone guessing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If you call for an academic boycott of say Tel Aviv University you have to ask yourself, what the consequences are of that call for the Palestinians and there's an indirect answer.

Huffington Post

Alderman [ 64] points out that the relationship between possessions to nutrition provides only an indirect answer looking at social transfer programmes in low-income countries aiming at improvement in nutrition and healthcare-seeking behaviour.

European Journal of Nutrition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

There may have been an indirect response.

The Guardian

During the trials Jesus speaks very little, mounts no defense and gives very infrequent and indirect answers to the questions of the priests, prompting an officer to slap him.

Wikipedia

Under questioning by the ABC News correspondent Connie Chung, the California congressman at times bristled and gave indirect answers, filibustered and interrupted.

The New York Times

This is an indirect but clear answer to your question," he said.

BBC

The NCI has a long-standing function of providing answers to critical policy questions, which can only be answered through an indirect synthesis of available information and assumptions.

Environmental Health Perspectives

When asked if this meant that he supported the coup leaders, Mr. Bah answered in an indirect, but telling, way: "We're acknowledging that they're in power".

The New York Times

The possibility should be acknowledged that the concept of discrimination is insufficiently determinate to dictate an answer to the question of whether there can be an indirect form of discrimination.

SEP

However, our experimental setup cannot be used to answer this question in detail because we tested connectivity with only an indirect approach.

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

An indirect but efficient method to answer these questions is to look at the patterns of recombination (homologous and non-homologous) between different strains and members of the different phylogroups.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an indirect answer" when you want to describe a response that doesn't directly address the question, often implying a degree of evasion or subtlety. It's suitable when the responder hints at the answer without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid using "an indirect answer" when the response is simply incomplete or unclear due to poor communication skills. The phrase implies a deliberate choice to be indirect, not just accidental ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indirect answer" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as the object of a verb (e.g., 'gave an indirect answer') or as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase to refer to a response that doesn't directly address the question.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an indirect answer" describes a response that doesn't directly address the question, potentially hinting at the answer without explicitly stating it. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. Ludwig's examples show the phrase appears in news, scientific and wiki contexts, with the The New York Times and The Guardian as authoritative sources. When using this phrase, be mindful of implying intentional evasion rather than unintentional ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "an evasive reply" or "a roundabout response" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an evasive reply

Focuses on avoiding the direct question, implying a deliberate intent to not answer fully.

a roundabout response

Emphasizes the circuitous nature of the answer, suggesting it takes a winding path.

a tangential answer

Highlights that the answer is only loosely related to the original question.

an oblique reply

Stresses the indirectness and lack of clarity in the response.

a vague response

Focuses on the lack of clarity and precision in the answer.

an ambiguous answer

Highlights the multiple possible interpretations of the response.

a circuitous explanation

Emphasizes the lengthy and winding explanation provided.

an allusive answer

Highlights that the answer makes references in an indirect way.

a suggestive response

Focuses on the implied meaning rather than a direct statement.

an implicit response

Highlights the meaning conveyed indirectly, without being explicitly stated.

FAQs

How to use "an indirect answer" in a sentence?

You can use "an indirect answer" to describe a response that doesn't directly address the question. For example, "Instead of giving a straight yes or no, she gave "an indirect answer" that left us guessing."

What can I say instead of "an indirect answer"?

You can use alternatives like "an evasive reply", "a roundabout response", or "a tangential answer" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an indirect answer" or "a direct answer"?

Both "an indirect answer" and "a direct answer" are correct, but they have opposite meanings. "An indirect answer" implies the response is not straightforward, while "a direct answer" is clear and to the point.

What's the difference between "an indirect answer" and "an implicit answer"?

"An indirect answer" suggests the response doesn't directly address the question, possibly avoiding it. "An implicit answer" is one that is suggested or understood though not plainly expressed.