answer for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is responsible for something or must explain their actions. Example: "He will have to answer for his mistakes during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Good answer, for a lawyer.

The New York Times

There's no answer for toughness.

The New York Times - Sports

Same answer for Stones.

The Guardian - Sport

/ Answer for me.

The New York Times - Style

There's no right answer for anyone.

The New York Times

You can judge his answer for yourself.

The New York Times - Magazine

Value-engineering has much to answer for.

The Economist

I have a lot to answer for.

The New York Times

Gould had an answer for that.

The New Yorker

"He has an answer for every objection.

The New York Times

I have no answer for that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answer for" when you want to emphasize the responsibility or accountability someone has for their actions or the actions of others. It can also be used to vouch for someone's character or guarantee something.

Common error

Avoid using "answer" alone when you specifically mean to convey responsibility or being held accountable. "Answer" simply means to respond, while "answer for" implies a deeper level of obligation or consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer for" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating responsibility, accountability, or providing a guarantee. According to Ludwig AI, it often implies being held to account for actions or attesting to someone's character.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "answer for" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to express responsibility, accountability, or the act of vouching for someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's predominantly found in News & Media sources. While "be responsible for" and "account for" are viable alternatives, the specific nuance of facing consequences or providing explanations is best conveyed by "answer for". To prevent misuse, ensure you're not simply using "answer" when the context requires the weight of responsibility implied by "answer for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be responsible for

Focuses directly on the aspect of accountability and duty.

be held accountable for

Emphasizes the potential consequences of actions.

take responsibility for

Highlights the act of accepting blame or obligation.

account for

Stresses the need to explain or justify something.

explain

Centers on providing clarification or reasons.

vouch for

Specifically relates to attesting to someone's character or reliability.

attest to

Formal way to confirm the truth or validity of something or someone.

guarantee

Focuses on assuring a specific outcome or condition.

be liable for

Indicates legal or financial obligation.

stand behind

Implies support and endorsement.

FAQs

How is "answer for" different from "account for"?

"Answer for" generally implies taking responsibility or blame, while "account for" often refers to explaining or providing reasons for something. While similar, "account for" focuses more on providing an explanation.

When should I use "be responsible for" instead of "answer for"?

You can use "be responsible for" when you want to highlight the duty or obligation someone has. "Answer for" can also imply facing consequences or providing explanations, so "be responsible for" is a more general term.

Can "answer for" be used in a positive context?

Yes, "answer for" can be used to vouch for someone or guarantee something, such as "I can "vouch for" his integrity" or "I will answer for his debt if he can't pay".

What's a formal alternative to "answer for"?

Formal alternatives include "be held accountable for" or "be liable for". These phrases are suitable for legal or professional contexts where a high degree of responsibility is emphasized. "Be held accountable for" is usually the best option.