an official answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an official answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a statement, explanation or reply provided by someone who has authority on a certain subject. For example: "We asked the headmaster for an official answer on why the school was closed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Getting an official answer was no easier.

The New York Times - Sports

A lawsuit filed yesterday by homeless people seeking clean and safe public toilets demands an official answer.

The New York Times

Abdallah Alayan said he wasn't picking up phone calls from people he knew, as he waited for an official answer.

The New York Times

If they live in Nassau County and you have their address, you can get an official answer.

The New York Times

But 24 hours later, Wall Street had yet to receive an official answer as to what caused the stock biggest intraday drop on record.

The New York Times

I don't have an official answer, but we can probably discount any notion of the Highway Code being a particularly compelling read.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"They think when the new regulation comes up, the relocation plan will change," an official answering the phone at the district demolition and relocation office, who gave only her surname, Li, said this month.

The New York Times

It's depressing there aren't any official answers or solutions.

The New York Times

The official answer is a soft no.

The New York Times - Arts

The official answer, according to a report issued yesterday by the state's Budget Division, is $120.7 billion.

The New York Times

The official answer, according to a rarely enforced city law for sidewalk cafés, is not before noon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an official answer", ensure the source providing the answer has recognized authority on the subject matter. This adds credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid treating every response from someone in authority as "an official answer". Verify that the response is given in their official capacity and represents the organization's stance, not just a personal opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an official answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a formal and authoritative response to a question or request, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an official answer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that denotes a formal and authoritative response. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples demonstrating its usage in news, wiki and business contexts. Related phrases include "a formal response" and "an authoritative reply". When using this phrase, ensure the answer comes from a source with recognized authority and represents the organization's official stance. Understanding these nuances will enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formal response

Focuses on the formality of the answer, omitting the aspect of authority.

an authoritative reply

Emphasizes the authority behind the response, using a different synonym for "answer".

a sanctioned statement

Highlights the official approval or endorsement of the statement.

a definitive response

Stresses the conclusiveness and finality of the answer.

a public declaration

Implies the answer is made openly and to a wide audience.

a certified confirmation

Highlights that the answer is verified and guaranteed.

a legal clarification

Suggests the answer is related to a legal matter and provides clarity.

a documented explanation

Emphasizes that the answer is recorded and detailed.

a government response

Specifies that the answer is coming from a governmental body.

a corporate statement

Indicates the answer is coming from a company or corporation.

FAQs

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

You can use "an official answer" when referring to a formal or authoritative response from a recognized source. For example, "The company is waiting for "an official answer" from the regulatory board before proceeding with the project."

What is a more formal alternative to "an official answer"?

More formal alternatives include "a formal response", "an authoritative reply", or "a sanctioned statement", depending on the specific context.

Is "an official answer" always the most accurate answer?

Not necessarily. While "an official answer" represents the formal position of an entity, it may not always reflect the complete or unbiased truth. Consider seeking diverse perspectives for a comprehensive understanding.

What's the difference between "an official answer" and "a response"?

"An official answer" implies a formal and authoritative statement, whereas "a response" is a more general term for any reply or reaction, regardless of its formality or authority.