answer his question

USAGE SUMMARY

"answer his question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when asking someone to respond to a query or inquiry posed by another person. Example: During the press conference, the reporter raised his hand to ask a question. The speaker nodded and said, "Yes, please go ahead and answer his question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

She didn't answer his question.

The Guardian

Benjamin uses Marx's Kapital to answer his question.

The Guardian - Books

My father didn't wait for me to answer his question.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'll answer his question by changing its terms.

The New Yorker

I don't quite know how to answer his question.

The Guardian - Travel

But the NOAA officials holding the meeting couldn't answer his question — or anybody's.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

FEMA should answer his questions.

The New York Times

I would answer his questions with questions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then she offered to answer his questions.

The New York Times

He told me to calm down and answer his questions".

The New York Times - Magazine

His mother was unable to answer his questions about what had happened.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when the purpose is to provide information or a solution related to a specific query someone has posed.

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "his" clearly refers to a specific individual mentioned earlier in the context to avoid confusion. If the reference is unclear, rephrase to explicitly state the individual's name.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer his question" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of providing a response or solution to a question posed by someone. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "answer his question" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of responding to a query. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as science and wiki sources. The phrase functions as a verb phrase and serves the purpose of conveying a response, explanation, or solution. While generally neutral in register, clarity regarding the referent of "his" is important for avoiding ambiguity. Common alternatives include "respond to his inquiry" and "address his query". Overall, understanding its proper usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond to his inquiry

Focuses on the act of responding to a formal question or request.

provide an answer to what he asked

Emphasizes giving a specific answer to his posed question.

address his query

Highlights the act of dealing with or discussing his question.

give him a response to his question

Stresses providing a reply or reaction to what he asked.

reply to his question

Simply focuses on the act of replying.

offer an explanation for his inquiry

Focuses on providing a detailed explanation in response to his question.

clarify his doubts

Involves removing confusion or misunderstanding by providing a clearer answer.

resolve his question

Focuses on finding a solution or conclusion to his query.

shed light on his question

Suggests providing insight or understanding to his question.

elucidate his question

Means making his question clearer or easier to understand through detailed explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "answer his question" in a sentence?

You can use "answer his question" to describe the act of responding to someone's query. For example, "The professor took a moment to pause before proceeding to "answer his question"".

What are some alternatives to "answer his question"?

Alternatives include phrases like "respond to his inquiry", "address his query", or "provide an answer to what he asked depending on the formality and context.

When should I use "answer his question" versus "address his concerns"?

"Answer his question" is suitable when someone has posed a direct query that requires a response. "Address his concerns" is more appropriate when someone has expressed worries or issues that need to be dealt with, even if they haven't asked a direct question.

Is there a difference between "answer his question" and "ignore his question"?

"Answer his question" means to provide a response or solution to the question he posed. Conversely, ignoring his question means to not provide any response or to deliberately overlook his query.