answer in detail

USAGE SUMMARY

"answer in detail" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide a comprehensive explanation or response to a question or request. For example, "Can you explain why you made that decision? Please answer in detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In this fine, elegantly written book, Mr Buchan lays out the answer in detail.

The Economist

Asked if Israel possessed similar knowledge today, General Kaplinsky said he could not answer in detail, then added, "We know what we have to know".

The New York Times

Mr. Carney was pressed repeatedly by reporters to explain what the president and the vice president knew and when they knew it, but he declined to answer in detail.

The New York Times

(In it, I said that, since I'd never seen Alice read a fashion magazine, the fact that she was able to answer in detail when I asked her about someone's bizarre outfit always stunned me, "as if I had idly wondered out loud about the meaning of some inscription on some ruin in Oaxaca and she had responded by translating fluently from the Toltec").

The New Yorker

Independent referees provide confidential character statements in which they are expected to answer in detail about the applicant's mental state, home life and attitude towards guns.

BBC

Discuss your answer in detail.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

(Not all questions can be answered in detail, and some questions have been edited).

The New York Times

They require that students write many of their answers in detail.

The Washington Post

(Not all questions can be answered in detail, and some questions have been edited or, when on similar topics, combined).

The New York Times

Vunipola answers in detail when I ask him for his personal view on Armitage's eligibility for selection.

The Guardian - Sport

After 10 days, he relented, granted not one but a series of interviews and answered in detail and with good humor every question, including those about Presidential politics.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting information, use "answer in detail" to ensure you receive a comprehensive and thorough explanation, minimizing the need for follow-up questions.

Common error

Avoid using "answer in detail" excessively in very formal documents; consider more sophisticated synonyms like "provide a comprehensive response" or "elaborate fully" for greater impact and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer in detail" functions as a request or instruction, prompting someone to provide a comprehensive and thorough explanation or response. It combines a verb ("answer") with an adverbial phrase ("in detail") modifying the verb. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrasing is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "answer in detail" serves as a direct and clear way to request a thorough and comprehensive explanation. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, its frequency is classified as uncommon. Usage analysis reveals its prevalence in news, academic, and wiki contexts. To enhance the phrase's impact, users might consider alternatives such as ""provide a thorough response"" or ""explain in depth"", especially in more formal settings. Remember to use it when you genuinely require a comprehensive answer and tailor your language to suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go into detail

Similar meaning, but more commonly used in informal contexts.

provide a thorough response

Emphasizes the completeness and exhaustiveness of the answer.

give a comprehensive explanation

Highlights the clarity and understanding conveyed in the answer.

respond comprehensively

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the reply.

elaborate on the answer

Focuses on expanding and providing more information within the response.

present a full explanation

Indicates a well-rounded and exhaustive presentation of the answer.

explain in depth

Stresses the profundity and complexity of the explanation.

offer a detailed account

Implies a structured and systematic presentation of information.

furnish a complete answer

Suggests a formal and exhaustive provision of information.

supply a detailed response

Conveys a formal and thorough delivery of the answer.

FAQs

How can I use "answer in detail" in a sentence?

You can use "answer in detail" to request a comprehensive explanation. For example, "Please "answer in detail", outlining all the factors that influenced your decision."

What are some alternatives to "answer in detail"?

Alternatives include "provide a thorough response", "explain in depth", or "go into detail" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to "answer in detail" or "provide a detailed answer"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "provide a detailed answer" might sound slightly more formal and polished in some contexts.

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "answer in detail"?

It's appropriate when you need a full and complete explanation, such as when discussing complex topics, legal matters, or technical procedures. Consider being more specific when possible to guide the answer.