answer to please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer to please" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express a request for a response that satisfies or pleases someone, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "I hope my answer to please is satisfactory to you."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"You might know the right decision because you have 20 years' experience working in a sector," Clarke says, "but you might have to sacrifice 20% of this right answer to please everyone.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We can therefore not exclude that in some instances, respondents were inclined to provide socially acceptable answers, to please not only the interviewer, but the other household members.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

It is possible that women give positive answers to please the interviewer or deny the use of a medication if they feel guilty about their child's condition.

Drug Safety

They were also instructed to answer honestly and not to give overly positive answers just to please the surgeon.

Acta Orthopaedica

Limitations of this questionnaire-based survey include the possibility of answers intended to please (in contrast to entirely anonymous questioning or objective measures) and of inaccurate answers e.g. with self-reported activities where only the options none, once per week or more than once per week were offered.

BMC Cancer

"How about Eddie?" "O.K.," he answered, eager to please.

The New York Times

Begging the contractor's answering machine to please finish the construction that was supposed to be done by Memorial Day "at the absolute latest".

The New York Times - Travel

Otherwise, it can be a risk in FGDs that the participants modify their answers either to please the researcher or to avoid conflicts with other participants [ 20].

BMC Family Practice

If you have to turn to an aide for an answer to that, please get off the stage.

Huffington Post

This answer had seemed to please her better.

The New Yorker

More precisely, Mitt Romney will feel every possible way about an issue until the moment he is asked about it, at which point the many feelings decohere into the single answer most likely to please the asker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "answer to please" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more standard phrasing.

Common error

A common mistake is to directly translate the intention of pleasing into a noun phrase. This often results in grammatically awkward constructions. Instead, restructure the sentence to use verbs or adjectives to convey the meaning more clearly, such as "provide a pleasing answer" or "give an answer that satisfies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer to please" functions as a noun phrase, but is grammatically awkward. Ludwig AI indicates this is not correct in standard written English. A more accurate phrasing would clarify the intention or purpose of the answer.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "answer to please" aims to convey the idea of providing a response intended to satisfy someone, it is grammatically incorrect and rarely used in standard English. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase lacks clarity and proper structure, and it recommends alternatives like "an answer intended to please" or "to give a pleasing answer". Given its grammatical awkwardness and limited usage, it's best to avoid "answer to please" in formal and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an answer intended to please

Specifies the intent behind the answer, making it more descriptive.

provide a response designed to please

Clarifies that the response was specifically created to be pleasing.

satisfying response

Focuses on the satisfaction the answer provides, omitting the need to please someone.

agreeable response

Highlights the agreeableness of the response, rather than the act of pleasing.

give an answer that will satisfy

Directly addresses the goal of providing a satisfying response.

to give a pleasing answer

Emphasizes giving an answer that is well-received.

to provide a favorable answer

Focuses on the positive reception of the answer.

frame my answer to be agreeable

Focuses on how the answer is presented to ensure agreement.

tailor my response

Implies customizing an answer to fit the listener's expectations.

modify my response to appease

Highlights altering an answer to calm or pacify someone.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "answer to please" to be grammatically correct?

You can use phrases like "an answer intended to please", "a response designed to satisfy", or "to give a pleasing answer".

What does it mean when someone says they want an "answer to please"?

It typically means they want a response that will satisfy or make someone happy, even if it's not entirely accurate or complete. It's about providing a response that is well-received.

Is "answer to please" a common phrase in English?

No, "answer to please" is not a common or grammatically correct phrase in standard English. It's better to use alternative phrasing for clarity.

What's a more formal way to say "answer to please"?

In formal contexts, consider using "a response designed for approval" or "an answer intended to please". These options are clearer and more grammatically sound.