answer that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to respond to a specific question or statement that has been made. Example: "Can you please clarify your point? I need you to answer that before we proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can Facebook answer that.

TechCrunch

I used to never answer that.

Los Angeles Times

Isthebookdead.com can answer that.

The New Yorker

"We can't answer that".

The New York Times

I can't answer that.

The New York Times

To answer that last question.

The New Yorker

How would you answer that?

The New Yorker

Only you can answer that.

The New York Times

I can't answer that question".

The New York Times - Science

"I can't answer that now.

The New York Times

Nobody can answer that precisely.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a question, ensure the context is clear before using "answer that". This prevents ambiguity and ensures the respondent understands what they are being asked to address.

Common error

Avoid assuming the respondent knows the background or details of your question. Provide sufficient context, so their answer is relevant and complete.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "answer that" is as an imperative phrase, used to directly request or instruct someone to provide a response or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "answer that" is a common and grammatically correct imperative, used to directly request a response or explanation. Ludwig AI validates its usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While its register is generally neutral, formal situations may warrant alternatives like "provide a response". Common errors involve assuming shared context; clarity is key. Related phrases include "respond to that" and "address that", offering nuanced ways to prompt a reply. Ultimately, "answer that" serves as a straightforward means of eliciting information or clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond to that

Replaces "answer" with "respond", focusing on the act of replying.

reply to that

Uses "reply" instead of "answer", emphasizing a direct response.

address that

Substitutes "answer" with "address", implying a more thorough handling of the topic.

comment on that

Replaces "answer" with "comment", suggesting a less formal or definitive response.

give your thoughts on that

Expands the request to explicitly ask for someone's opinion.

provide a response to that

Formalizes the request by using "provide a response".

offer an explanation for that

Shifts the focus to seeking an explanation rather than a simple answer.

clarify that

Focuses on the need for clarification rather than a direct answer.

enlighten us on that

Adds a tone of seeking knowledge or understanding.

shed light on that

Similar to "enlighten us", but more metaphorical, suggesting the revealing of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "answer that" to directly request a response to a question or statement. For example, "Can you please "answer that" before we proceed?"

What can I say instead of "answer that"?

You can use alternatives like "respond to that", "address that", or "clarify that" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "answer that" in formal writing?

While "answer that" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "provide a response to that" or "offer an explanation for that" in professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "answer that" and "answer this"?

"Answer this" typically refers to a specific, immediate question, while ""answer that"" can refer to a broader topic, previous statement, or a question that has already been posed.