answer the question

USAGE SUMMARY

"answer the question" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "Please read the instructions carefully and answer the question on the worksheet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Answer the question, Mr. Trusdale".

The New Yorker

Just answer the question, please.

The New Yorker

That will answer the question.

The New York Times

"Just answer the question".

The New York Times

"You answer the question".

The New York Times

Answer the question, man.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He did not answer the question.

The New Yorker

She didn't immediately answer the question.

The New Yorker

I mean, answer the question for me.

The New York Times - Health

"I have to answer the question.

Independent

Then they answer the question for themselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "answer the question" in formal writing, ensure that the question itself is clearly stated or directly implied in the preceding context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid embedding the imperative "answer the question" within overly complex sentences. This can make the request seem less direct and more confusing for the reader. Instead, opt for a straightforward sentence structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer the question" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or requesting someone to provide a response to a specific question. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "answer the question" is a grammatically sound and very common imperative used to directly request a response to a query. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It appears frequently in news and media, scientific publications, and wiki articles. While its tone is generally neutral, context dictates the level of formality. For more formal scenarios, alternatives like "address the query" or "respond to the inquiry" might be preferable. Ensure clarity and avoid embedding this imperative within overly complex sentences for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Address the query

Replaces 'answer' with 'address', implying a more formal or comprehensive response is needed.

Respond to the inquiry

Substitutes 'question' with 'inquiry', making the phrase more suitable for formal contexts.

Provide an answer to the question

Adds 'provide an answer' to emphasize the act of giving a response.

Give a response to the query

Similar to the above, but uses 'response' instead of 'answer' and 'query' instead of 'question'.

Clarify the matter

Focuses on making something clear, which can involve answering a question indirectly.

Explain yourself

Implies a need for a detailed explanation, often in response to an accusation or challenge.

Elaborate on that

Asks for more detail on a previous statement, functioning similarly to answering an implicit question.

Expound on the subject

Suggests a more thorough and detailed explanation is required.

Deal with the issue

Shifts the focus from answering directly to handling or resolving a problem.

Speak to the point

Urges directness and relevance in addressing the core issue at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "answer the question" to directly instruct someone to provide a response to a specific query. For example, "Before proceeding, please "answer the question" regarding your prior experience."

What is a more formal way to say "answer the question"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "address the query" or "respond to the inquiry" instead of "answer the question".

When is it appropriate to use "answer the question"?

"Answer the question" is suitable in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to formal interviews. However, be mindful of your audience and adjust your tone accordingly. In highly formal situations, a more polite phrasing may be preferred.

What does it mean when someone says "they didn't answer the question"?

When someone says "they didn't answer the question", it typically means the individual avoided providing a direct or relevant response. They may have dodged the question, provided a vague answer, or addressed a different aspect of the topic altogether.