answer to a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer to a question" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the response given to a question that has been asked. You can use it anytime you want to indicate that someone is providing a response to a specific question. Example: "Can you give me an answer to this question?" "Sure, I'd be happy to provide an answer to your question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Behind that, Queta cackled in answer to a question.

The New Yorker

Each column is their answer to a question.

The Guardian

Has she ever given an untrue answer to a question?

The Guardian - Opinion

"No boyfriends," Ms. Zhang explained in answer to a question.

The New York Times

The latter gives an evidence for an affirmative answer to a question of Pestov.

Journal of Functional Analysis

She was, he thought, "the answer to a question I had been asking all my life".

The New York Times - Books

"We may be able to produce an answer to a question that people otherwise can't produce.

The New York Times

Our answer to a question depends on how it is framed.

The Economist

Getting no good answer to a question, he asked it 12 times in a row.

The Economist

He wandered around teaching and instructing, never failing to give the right answer to a question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When Sister Seema didn't have the answer to a question, she made sure she got one.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "answer to a question", ensure that the question is clearly defined or has been previously stated to provide context for the answer.

Common error

Avoid providing an "answer to a question" that addresses only a portion of the inquiry. Ensure your response comprehensively covers all aspects of the question to prevent ambiguity or incompleteness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer to a question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the response or solution provided in relation to an inquiry. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "answer to a question" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a response to an inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While alternatives like "response to a query" or "reply to an inquiry" exist, the original phrase remains a versatile and clear way to express the concept of providing a response. When using the phrase, ensure the question is well-defined and the answer comprehensively addresses the inquiry. The phrase's neutrality and high frequency make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

response to a query

Replaces "question" with its synonym "query", maintaining the original meaning.

reply to an inquiry

Substitutes "answer" with "reply" and "question" with "inquiry", altering the formality slightly.

solution to a problem posed

Rephrases "answer" as "solution" and specifies the question as a "problem posed", adding a layer of specificity.

resolution to an issue raised

Uses "resolution" instead of "answer" and "issue raised" instead of "question", implying a more formal context.

explanation in response

Focuses on the "explanation" aspect of the answer, clarifying the intent behind the response.

clarification addressing a point

Highlights the "clarification" provided, framing the question as a "point" needing to be addressed.

elaboration on an inquiry

Replaces "answer" with "elaboration", suggesting a more detailed and comprehensive response.

statement addressing a query

Uses "statement" as a broader term for "answer", suitable for formal or official contexts.

feedback to a prompt

Frames the question as a "prompt" and the answer as "feedback", common in interactive or creative scenarios.

rebuttal to an interrogation

Presents the question as an "interrogation" and the answer as a "rebuttal", implying a confrontational context.

FAQs

How do I use "answer to a question" in a sentence?

You can use "answer to a question" to refer to a response that addresses a specific inquiry. For example, "His "response to a query" was thorough and insightful".

What's a more formal alternative to "answer to a question"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "resolution to an issue raised" or "explanation in response", which convey a similar meaning with a heightened level of formality.

Is it correct to say "the answer for the question"?

While understandable, "the answer for the question" is less common and idiomatic than "the "answer to a question"". The latter is the preferred and more grammatically sound choice.

Can "solution to a problem" be used interchangeably with "answer to a question"?

While similar, "solution to a problem posed" implies that the question is a problem requiring a fix, whereas "answer to a question" is more general and can apply to any type of inquiry, not just problems.