answer was no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer was no" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when you are trying to describe the response to a question. For example, "I asked him if he wanted to go to the beach, but his answer was no."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Samardzija's answer was no.

The New York Times - Sports

Her answer was no.

The New York Times

Their answer was "no".

The New York Times

Locke's answer was no.

The New York Times - Health

His answer was no.

The New Yorker

(The answer was no).

The New York Times

"And the answer was no".

The New York Times

And our answer was no.

The New Yorker

And their answer was: No".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Her answer is no.

The New York Times

Another answer is: No.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "answer was no" when summarizing a situation where a request or inquiry has been denied, providing a straightforward account of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a lack of explicit confirmation means the "answer was no". Always seek clear and direct answers to avoid misrepresenting someone's position. If a response is ambiguous, clarify it before stating a definitive "answer was no".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer was no" serves as a declarative statement indicating a negative response to a question or inquiry. It functions as a concise way to communicate disagreement, denial, or rejection. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "answer was no" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in the realm of News & Media. It serves as a clear and unambiguous way to communicate a negative response or refusal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While direct and neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure the context warrants such a definitive statement, avoiding assumptions and seeking clarification when necessary. Alternatives like "the response was negative" or "it was a negative response" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the response was negative

Focuses on the negativity of the response.

it was a negative response

Rephrases it as a type of response.

the reply was in the negative

Formal way of saying no as a response.

the answer given was no

Emphasizes the act of giving a negative answer.

the decision was negative

Focuses on the negative outcome of a decision.

the determination was negative

Focuses on a negative determination or finding.

the outcome was negative

Highlights the unfavorable result or consequence.

the feedback was negative

Emphasizes negative feedback.

they declined

Implies a refusal or unwillingness.

they refused

Directly states a refusal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "answer was no"?

You can use alternatives like "the response was negative", "the reply was in the negative", or "it was a negative response" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "answer was no" in formal writing?

Yes, "answer was no" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to convey a negative response. However, in some cases, a more elaborate phrasing might be preferred for stylistic reasons.

What does "answer was no" imply?

The phrase "answer was no" implies a negative response to a question or request. It indicates a denial, rejection, or disagreement with the proposition presented.

What's the difference between "answer was no" and "answer was not yes"?

"Answer was no" is a direct and clear way to state a negative response. "Answer was not yes" is less direct and can sometimes imply uncertainty or a lack of enthusiasm, whereas "answer was no" is more definite.