answer was given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer was given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a response has been provided to a question or inquiry. Example: "After much discussion, the answer was given, and everyone felt satisfied with the resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No answer was given.

The Washington Post

The correct answer was given by 56percentt.

The New York Times

"The best answer was given here 62 years ago," Mr. Netanyahu said.

The New York Times

For every person who posed that question here at the Summer League, a different answer was given.

The Washington Post

The surprising answer was given in secret briefings on Capitol Hill last week by Eric S. Edelman, a former aide to Vice President Cheney who is now undersecretary of defense for policy.

The Washington Post

The question they wanted to answer was: given the pattern of vehicles in an area, could the algorithm accurately predict the demographics as recorded in the U.S. Census and presidential voting data?

MIT Technology Review

Four months ago, if you asked a Republican presidential nominee why he refused to take a stance on the flag of the Confederacy fluttering above the South Carolina statehouse, the same answer was given.

The Economist

The answer was given three days before the election by a soldier and memoirist of the Reagan revolution, Peggy Noonan, who wrote in the Wall Street Journal, "Something new is happening in America.

The New Yorker

One sensible answer was given recently on "The Newshour With Jim Lehrer" in an interview with Kate DiCamillo, who won the 2004 Newbery Medal for the latest good mouse novel, "The Tale of Despereaux".

The New York Times - Books

"Agent Schanzle," Mr. Hardin asked after introducing multiple copies of the e-mail note, "Would you agree if there was any attempt by people to keep this information from the government or anyone else, that they're not very good at it?" The government objected to the question, and no answer was given.

The New York Times

He's hardly Mr Popular out there and it is reasonable to secure assurances that there would not be an opportunity for a plastic bag to be put over his head or a torch shone into his face until the right answer was given," he added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answer was given" when you want to emphasize the act of providing a response rather than the quality or content of the answer itself.

Common error

While "answer was given" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider active voice alternatives like "someone answered" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer was given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a response was provided. It emphasizes the action of answering rather than the actor. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "answer was given" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate that a response has been provided. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, from formal to informal, though careful consideration of voice is important. While generally neutral, choosing more active alternatives can enhance writing clarity and impact, depending on the intent. The phrase's prevalence in news, media, and scientific publications underscores its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a response was provided

Replaces "answer" with the more formal "response".

a reply was offered

Uses "reply" instead of "answer" and "offered" instead of "given", suggesting a slightly more proactive provision of information.

the solution was presented

Focuses on the solution aspect of the answer, implying a problem-solving context.

information was disclosed

Highlights the revealing of information, suitable when the answer involves making something known.

an explanation was furnished

Emphasizes the provision of a detailed explanation, suitable for formal or technical contexts.

details were shared

Suggests a collaborative sharing of information, often less formal than "answer was given".

clarification was offered

Implies that the answer served to clarify a point, reducing ambiguity.

the question was addressed

Focuses on the act of tackling the question, rather than the specific content of the answer.

guidance was provided

Suitable when the answer takes the form of advice or direction.

the matter was resolved

Suggests the answer led to a resolution of an issue or problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "answer was given" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "someone answered", or "they responded" to create a more active voice. The best option depends on the context.

Is "answer was given" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "a response was provided" may be preferable in certain situations.

What's the difference between "answer was given" and "an answer was provided"?

The two phrases are virtually synonymous. Both convey that a response was furnished, with no significant difference in meaning or formality.

When should I use "no answer was given"?

Use "no answer was given" when you want to emphasize the lack of a response, perhaps implying that the question was ignored or unanswered.