answer lies within

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer lies within" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that the solution to a problem or the answer to a question can be found within the context of what has already been presented. For example: "The answer lies within the text - if you look hard enough, you'll find the information you need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Happily, the answer lies within its pages.

The Guardian - Sport

At the end of the day, Lewis argues, the answer lies within the Muslim world itself.

The New York Times - Books

"The answer lies within all of us, and we must individually and collectively commit ourselves to combat this menace".

The New York Times

Most of the answer lies within the lively prose of a British wine critic, Jane MacQuitty of The Times of London.

The New York Times

Again, the answer to the question "Why do they hate us?" is not for our freedoms as many like to recite and believe; the answer lies within Hammami and thousands like him.

The New York Times

That answer lies within you.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

After understanding their business using the macro/micro concept, it was clear that the answer lay within their guarantee.

Forbes

There will be a solution that we can find for it... but you have to be responsible for it... It's only when the women come here that they realize that the question, the answer, the problem, the solution lies within them..

Huffington Post

The answers lie within.

The Guardian - Books

The answers lie within an old, secret British institute, Starz hints.

The Washington Post

But this is misguided -- ultimately, the answers lie within us.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answer lies within" to suggest that the solution or explanation is already present within the given context or subject, encouraging deeper examination rather than external searching.

Common error

Avoid using "answer lies within" when the solution clearly requires external information or resources. This phrase is most effective when the key to understanding is already available but not immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer lies within" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It asserts that the solution or explanation is contained within a specific context or subject. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests the answer can be found by looking closely at what's already available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "answer lies within" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression across various domains, as confirmed by Ludwig. It suggests that a solution or explanation is contained within the current context or subject, encouraging closer inspection. Analysis of its usage reveals a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. While "answer lies within" enjoys broad applicability, it's important to ensure that the solution genuinely resides within the given context, preventing misdirection or scope misunderstandings. Remember to explore related phrases like "solution lies within" to find the best fit for your specific purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solution lies within

Focuses more specifically on a solution rather than a general answer.

response lies within

Emphasizes a reaction or reply being contained within something.

question lies within

Shifts the focus to the query itself being contained within something.

explanation lies within

Highlights that the clarification or reason can be found internally.

answer lives within

Uses "lives" metaphorically to suggest the answer is inherent or ingrained.

answer lay with

Uses a past tense form of "lie" and changes "within" to "with", altering the sentence structure slightly.

the key is inside

Uses a metaphor of a key, suggesting the solution is hidden inside something.

the secret is within

Emphasizes the hidden or concealed nature of the answer.

the solution is intrinsic

Indicates that the solution is an essential or natural part of something.

it's all in there

A more informal and concise way of saying the answer is contained within.

FAQs

How can I use "answer lies within" in a sentence?

You can use "answer lies within" to suggest that the solution to a problem or the explanation for a situation is contained within a specific area or concept. For example, "The answer lies within the data if you analyze it carefully."

What's a good alternative to "answer lies within"?

Alternatives include "solution lies within", "response lies within", or "explanation lies within", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "answer lies within" in formal writing?

Yes, "answer lies within" is suitable for formal writing as it's grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when someone says "the answer lies within"?

It means that the solution or explanation to a problem or question can be found by looking closely at the situation, context, or subject at hand, rather than seeking external sources or factors.