an initial answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a preliminary response or solution to a question or problem before further discussion or analysis. Example: "After reviewing the data, I can provide you with an initial answer, but we may need to refine it as we gather more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

On Monday, the markets gave an initial answer: plenty.

The New York Times - Tech

In an initial answer to Republican concerns about having enough time to review the bill, Mr. Baucus posted the revised legislation, including all the amendments adopted in the last week of debate, on the committee's Web site shortly before 6 p.m. Friday.

The New York Times

We sought an initial answer to this question in a fifth-grade class in Hefei, China.

International Journal of Educational Research

Our study focuses on monitoring whether the top-k result has changed after an initial answer has been obtained.

Data Science and Engineering

Now, an initial answer to this question might be that it is in the nature of the properties related that the laws are what they are.

SEP

In a collection where documents have textual segments, keyword search provides an initial answer which can be expanded by visual similarity.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

With that in mind, I've included the standard answer and an initial solution as well as a follow-up problem.

The New York Times

McConnell praises what he calls "reform conservatism," which he describes as "a good initial answer to the question of how government can be used to help, help, not hurt, working Americans across the country, whose wages have remained stubbornly flat throughout the Obama era, even as the cost of everything from college tuition to health care continues to rise.

Huffington Post

The initial answer: A lot.

The New York Times

Laurie Hanig Rockville, Md., Sept. 29, 2004 Correction: October 1, 2004, Friday An article yesterday about the ground rules accepted by President Bush and Senator John Kerry for their three presidential debates misstated the time limit for their initial answer to a question.

The New York Times

An article yesterday about the ground rules accepted by President Bush and Senator John Kerry for their three presidential debates misstated the time limit for their initial answer to a question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an initial answer", clarify that it is subject to change or further investigation if needed. This sets expectations and avoids misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an initial answer" as definitive, especially in complex situations. Always indicate that it's a starting point and may evolve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it often introduces a preliminary response or solution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an initial answer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a preliminary response or solution. Ludwig's analysis, which aligns with the examples provided, confirms its suitability across various contexts, including science, news, and formal communications. When employing this phrase, it's prudent to clarify that it represents a starting point subject to further refinement. As Ludwig AI suggests, while versatile, it's essential to consider context when choosing among alternatives like "a preliminary response" or "a tentative answer" for optimal precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial response

A slight variation that replaces "answer" with its synonym "response,".

a preliminary response

Replaces "initial" with a synonym, "preliminary", maintaining the meaning of a first or early response.

a first response

Uses "first" instead of "initial", offering a simpler and more direct way to convey the same meaning.

an initial assessment

Using the term "assessment" instead of "answer" shifts the focus to evaluation, while "initial" remains.

a tentative answer

Substitutes "initial" with "tentative", suggesting the answer is subject to change or not fully certain.

a provisional assessment

Indicates a preliminary evaluation that may be revised later.

a starting point

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the idea that it's a basis for further development or investigation.

a working hypothesis

Frames the initial answer as a testable explanation, common in scientific contexts.

an immediate reaction

Focuses on the immediacy of the response rather than its completeness.

a quick fix

Suggests a temporary solution or response, often used in problem-solving contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "an initial answer" in a sentence?

You can use "an initial answer" to introduce a preliminary response or solution. For example, "Here is "an initial answer" to your question, but further research may be required."

What's a good alternative to "an initial answer"?

Consider using alternatives like "a preliminary response", "a first response", or "a tentative answer" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "an initial answer" in formal writing?

Yes, "an initial answer" is suitable for formal writing. However, in some contexts, a more precise phrase like "a provisional assessment" might be preferable.

What does "an initial answer" imply?

The phrase "an initial answer" suggests that the response is a starting point and may not be the final or complete solution. It implies that further investigation or refinement may be necessary.