an intermediate answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intermediate answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is not final or conclusive, but rather serves as a step towards a more complete answer. Example: "In our discussion, I provided an intermediate answer to the question, which will be refined as we gather more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But in a world where logic doesn't permit an intermediate answer that accounts for the admitted uncertainty, it's the best I can do.

Huffington Post

So it is considered as an intermediate answer between "yes" and "no".

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There might be an intermediate solution.

The New York Times - Arts

An influential intermediate answer ties political authority to the realm of justice and grounds obedience in a natural duty: "This duty requires us to support and comply with just institutions that exist and apply to us.

SEP

Spanish patients also used the central answer choice more often than French patients (mean percentage of central answer: 18% for Spanish patients; 10% for French patients), whereas French patients used the intermediate answer choices (answers 2 or 4 over a 1-5 range) more often (mean percentage of intermediate answers: 36% for French patients; 11% for Spanish patients).

BMC Ophthalmology

French patients were more likely to use the intermediate answer choices.

BMC Ophthalmology

Add 7+2 = 9 (intermediate answer) +6 = 15 - Hundreds done (If you stop here, estimate is 1500) Moving to tens.

WikiHow

Attach 15 to 7 (tens next to 6, which we added last) = 157 (estimate here is 1570) Add +4 = 161 (intermediate answer; estimate here is 1610) +8 = 169 - Hundreds & tens done (estimate here is 1690) Moving to ones.

WikiHow

With such a strategy, we can automatically generate worked-out solutions, track the progress of a student by inspecting submitted intermediate answers, and report back suggestions in case the student deviates from the strategy.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

Because quantum logic will not let you look at intermediate answers without destroying the computation, even getting a quantum computer to accomplish something as simple as factoring a number into its divisors needs a touch of genius.

The New York Times - Books

The intermediate answers correspond to "possibly No" and "possibly Yes", respectively.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an intermediate answer" when conveying that the information provided is not a final resolution, but rather a step in the right direction. This is particularly useful in complex problem-solving or ongoing investigations.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an intermediate answer" as a definitive solution. Clearly indicate that further steps or information are needed to reach a complete resolution. This maintains transparency and avoids misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intermediate answer" functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It denotes a response that is not final but provides a partial or temporary solution.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intermediate answer" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a provisional or incomplete response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for contexts where a definitive solution is not yet available. While its frequency is relatively rare, it finds application in scientific and news reporting, indicating a level of formality. When using the phrase, be sure to clarify that it is not a final solution and further information is needed. Alternatives like "a provisional response" or "a partial solution" may also be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary response

Indicates that the answer is given at the beginning of a process, before full information is available.

a provisional response

Highlights the temporary nature of the answer, suggesting it's subject to change.

a tentative reply

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of confidence in the answer provided.

a work-in-progress answer

Emphasizes that the answer is incomplete and still under construction.

a partial solution

Emphasizes the incompleteness of the answer, focusing on it being only part of a broader resolution.

an evolving response

Highlights the ongoing development and refinement of the answer over time.

a halfway response

Indicates the answer addresses some aspects but not all, akin to being midway to a full resolution.

a developing solution

Indicates the answer is still in progress and not yet fully formed.

a compromise answer

Suggests the answer is a result of balancing conflicting viewpoints or requirements.

a stepping stone solution

Implies the answer is a necessary but not sufficient step toward a final solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intermediate answer" to describe a temporary or incomplete solution, for example, "While we don't have all the data yet, this proposal serves as "an intermediate answer" to the problem".

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

You can use alternatives like "a provisional response", "a partial solution", or "a tentative reply" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to provide "an intermediate answer"?

It's appropriate when a full and complete answer isn't immediately available, but providing some information is still beneficial. This is common in research, complex problem-solving, or when data is still being gathered. Be sure to clarify that it's not the final word.

What's the difference between "an intermediate answer" and "a final answer"?

"An intermediate answer" is a temporary or incomplete solution provided before a complete resolution is achieved. "A final answer" is the definitive and complete solution to a problem or question. It's the end result of a process.