answer to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response or reply to a question, issue, or situation. Example: "I expect a clear answer to the concerns raised during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In answer to his….

The New Yorker

Football's answer to Obama.

Independent

The answer to that problem?

The Guardian - Money

Jony doesn't answer to anybody.

The New York Times

I don't answer to them".

The New York Times

But I answer to Mulan".

The New York Times

"It's their answer to depopulation".

Independent

What's your answer to them?

The New York Times

"I answer to it.

The Guardian - Film

Mexico's answer to Torremolinos.

The Guardian

See answer to Q2.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answer to" when referring to a direct response or solution to a specific question or problem. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being answered.

Common error

Avoid using "answer to" when the relationship is not a direct response. For instance, instead of saying "This is the answer to success", consider more appropriate phrases like "This is the key to success" or "This is a path to success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a response, solution, or key element related to something. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. For example, "The "answer to" that question is no".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "answer to" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to indicate a response, solution, or key element. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To ensure clarity, use "answer to" in direct response or solution contexts, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives such as ""response to"" and ""solution to"" can be employed to suit different nuances. Understanding its appropriate usage and context will enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

response to

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

reply to

Similar to "response to", indicating a direct reply or rejoinder.

solution to

Substitutes "answer" with "solution", emphasizing a resolution to a problem.

resolution to

Similar to "solution to", but emphasizes the process of resolving a problem.

reaction to

Focuses on the emotional or behavioral response to something.

explanation for

Replaces "answer" with "explanation", emphasizing the provision of reasons or causes.

key to

Indicates something that is essential for understanding or achieving something.

approach to

Focuses on the method or strategy used to address a problem or situation.

antidote to

Suggests a remedy or countermeasure to something harmful.

the way to

Indicates a method or process for achieving a goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "answer to" to indicate a response or solution. For example, "What is the "answer to" this complex problem?" or "Her "answer to" the question was insightful."

What are some alternatives to "answer to"?

Alternatives to "answer to" include "response to", "solution to", and "reply to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the answer of" instead of "answer to"?

No, it is generally not correct to say "the answer of". The correct preposition to use with "answer" in this context is "to". Thus, "the "answer to"" is the proper usage.

What's the difference between "answer to" and "answerable to"?

"Answer to" refers to a response or solution, while "answerable to" means accountable or responsible to someone. For instance, "He must "answer to" the judge" is different from "He is answerable to the judge".