answer at once

USAGE SUMMARY

'answer at once' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the urgency of a response. For example, "Please answer at once if you plan to attend the meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

(Don't all shout the answer at once).

The New York Times

Then Rashaun Mitchell takes the stage and the answer at once is yes.

The New York Times - Arts

You might even find yourself trying to fill in more than one answer at once, as your eye falls on the nearby crosses and entries.

The New York Times

One answer, at once peculiar and persuasive, lies in the unassuming person of Lebel, a consistently reassuring presence who seems, even when bearing very bad news, to provide a measure of calm and safety.

The New York Times

She also had to "expect no affection from [him]... [and] answer at once when [he] speak[s] to [her]....".

Science Magazine

And don't everyone answer at once.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Murray answered at once.

The Guardian - Sport

I asked the men why they hadn't surrendered, and they all answered at once.

The New Yorker

Scientists hope that one day such computers will tap quantum mechanics to solve complex problems quickly by calculating many different possible answers at once; computers today must calculate each possibility separately.

The New York Times

While some argue that this approach is needlessly time-consuming, it ideally eliminates all wrong answers at once and prevents the student from losing time and points by second guessing.

Huffington Post

And asked about equivalent names to those of Booty and Stretch (Murray's men's doubles combination with Eric Butorac) the sought-after answer emerged at once.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answer at once" to convey a sense of urgency and importance, particularly when a swift response is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "answer at once" in very casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or demanding. Opt for simpler alternatives like "answer quickly" or "reply soon" in less formal communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer at once" functions as an imperative, urging immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and emphasizes the urgency of a response, as demonstrated in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "answer at once" is a grammatically correct imperative used to convey a sense of urgency and the need for an immediate response. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, highlighting its effectiveness in emphasizing the importance of prompt action. While it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, it also appears in scientific and encyclopedic sources. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where urgency is key, avoiding overuse in informal settings where it might sound too demanding. Alternatives like "respond immediately" or "reply without delay" can offer similar meanings with slight differences in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond immediately

Emphasizes the lack of delay in providing a response.

reply without delay

Highlights the absence of any waiting time before answering.

answer right away

Indicates an immediate action, synonymous with "at once".

provide an immediate response

Focuses on the speed and promptness of the response itself.

give an instant reply

Stresses the instantaneous nature of the answer.

get back to immediately

Highlights the quick return to someone with an answer.

answer forthwith

A more formal way of saying "immediately" or "at once".

resolve immediately

Focuses on resolving a question or issue with speed.

address without hesitation

Emphasizes dealing with something quickly and decisively.

action immediately

Focuses on taking quick action.

FAQs

How can I use "answer at once" in a sentence?

You can use "answer at once" to emphasize the urgency of a response. For example, "Please "answer at once" if you plan to attend the meeting tomorrow" or "The general demanded that the message be answered at once.

What is a more formal alternative to "answer at once"?

A more formal alternative to "answer at once" is "respond forthwith". This phrase carries a similar sense of urgency but is more appropriate in formal or legal contexts.

What does "answer at once" mean?

"Answer at once" means to respond immediately or without delay. It implies that a prompt response is required or expected.

When is it appropriate to use "answer at once"?

It is appropriate to use "answer at once" in situations where a quick response is essential, such as in emergencies, critical business communications, or when conveying a sense of importance or urgency.