answer was for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer was for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when clarifying the intended recipient or purpose of a response or answer. Example: "The answer was for the question posed during the meeting last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"The thing that he was trying to answer was for how long this increased flow would last.

The New York Times

In Britain, even the satirical weekly Private Eye has weighed in, proposing last week that the answer was for Europe itself to leave the European Union.

The New York Times

He said the only answer was for the government to stop putting them in that position and close the detention centres.

The Guardian

Asked what would bring him closure and help him begin to move on, his answer was for the wounds of grief not to be constantly reopened by public debate; he just wanted to be able to "consign Iraq to history".

The Guardian - Opinion

Safety first Telecomglomerate Valentine's Day divorce Bargain of the century Smart assets The call of the East Small country, big ambitions A new king for the Magic Kingdom ReprintsThe answer was for the European firms to recruit young people, whom Tecnovate takes onto its payroll, flies to India, lodges in a guest-house, trains and puts to work dealing remotely with their domestic markets.

The Economist

The answer was for the Grateful Dead to approach philanthropy in the same way they had approached everything else: try not to control it, try not to define it, but always allow for enough flexibility to adapt to the possibilities and needs of a perpetually changing world.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The answer is: For every reason.

The New York Times

The correct answer is, for fun.

The New York Times

Glibness aside, the first answer is for real.

The New York Times - Food

The answer is for more people to be donors".

The New York Times

The answer is: for the sheer hell of it.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answer was for" to clearly indicate the specific question, issue, or person to which the answer is relevant. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "answer was for" in casual conversations. In informal settings, simpler phrasing like "the answer is" or "that's for" might be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer was for" functions as a prepositional phrase that follows a noun (e.g., "the answer") to specify its purpose or intended recipient. This usage clarifies the connection between the answer and the question or issue it addresses. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "answer was for" is a grammatically sound construction used to clearly specify the intended recipient or purpose of an answer. According to Ludwig, the phrase is acceptable and understandable. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, where clear communication is essential. While not overly frequent, its proper usage enhances clarity and reduces ambiguity. Alternatives like "response was intended for" or "reply was meant for" offer similar meanings, while adjusting the formality and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

response was intended for

Replaces "answer" with "response" and clarifies the intention behind it.

reply was meant for

Substitutes "answer" with "reply" and uses "meant for" to specify the target.

solution was aimed at

Changes "answer" to "solution" and emphasizes the intended target using "aimed at".

explanation was directed to

Replaces "answer" with "explanation" and uses "directed to" to indicate the recipient.

information was provided for

Focuses on the provision of information, specifying the recipient.

feedback was given to

Highlights the feedback aspect, specifying who received the feedback.

the purpose of the answer was

Restructures the sentence to explicitly state the purpose of the answer.

the answer targeted

Simplifies the phrase to indicate the target of the answer.

the answer addressed

Uses "addressed" to show that the answer was responding to a specific issue or person.

the answer was in response to

Emphasizes that the answer is a direct reaction to something.

FAQs

How can I use "answer was for" in a sentence?

You can use "answer was for" to clarify the intended recipient or purpose of the answer. For example, "The "answer was for" the question posed during the meeting last week." You can also use "response was intended for" or "reply was meant for".

What are some alternatives to "answer was for"?

Alternatives include "solution was aimed at", "explanation was directed to", or "information was provided for", depending on the context.

Is "answer was for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "answer was for" is grammatically correct. It is used to specify the intended recipient or purpose of a response. You can also say "the purpose of the answer was" to make it sound more formal.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "answer was for"?

It's appropriate to use "answer was for" when you want to explicitly state who or what the answer is intended for. It is suitable for formal and professional contexts. In casual contexts, it could be better to use "the answer is".