answer well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to respond thoughtfully or thoroughly to a question or prompt. Example: "In the interview, it's important to answer well to demonstrate your qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

His answer: Well, he doesn't.

The New York Times

ANSWER: Well, let me show both optimism and realism.

The New York Times

Do you like me?" I felt compelled to answer: Well, yes.

The New York Times - Books

When my brother asked my son how I was, I heard him answer, "Well, thanks".

The New York Times

Answer: Well, they have a history if you count being around for just over a century.

The Guardian - Sport

It's quite legitimate to answer, well, we wouldn't be here now, because we wouldn't have started from there then.

The Guardian

The answer: "Well, it's an unimaginable honor to be the president during the Fourth of July of this country".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The answer: well-done and entertaining.

The New York Times

Holder has, to this day, refused to fully answer well-documented, bipartisan Congressional questions about the Justice Department's use of information purloined by the N.S.A. to investigate American citizens.

The New Yorker

It must be based on the verses of the Qur'an or the hadith, or the opinions of previous generations of Muslim scholars across 1,400 years of history, or, in the rare cases when those sources do not provide an answer, well-argued logic, to come up with a completely new ruling.

The Guardian

Then I answer: −Well, have you used your knowledge to ask for more time and resources?

BMC Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answer well" to emphasize the quality of the response, especially when highlighting skills or abilities. For example, "To succeed in the interview, you need to answer well and showcase your expertise."

Common error

Avoid using "answer well" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "give a good answer" or "respond effectively" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer well" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how someone answers. It indicates the quality or manner of answering. As confirmed by Ludwig, the usage of "answer well" is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "answer well" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that conveys the quality and effectiveness of a response. While not extremely common, as suggested by Ludwig, it appears in a variety of contexts, especially in news and media, science, and wiki sources. Alternatives such as "respond effectively" or "reply thoughtfully" may be more suitable in certain situations. When using "answer well", focus on highlighting competence and thoughtfulness in your responses. Avoiding overuse in informal settings ensures a natural and appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond effectively

Focuses on the effectiveness of the response rather than just the quality of the answer.

reply thoughtfully

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and consideration put into the answer.

answer thoroughly

Highlights the completeness and comprehensiveness of the answer.

provide a good answer

Uses more common vocabulary, but slightly less concise.

give a satisfactory answer

Implies the answer meets expectations or requirements.

answer correctly

Focuses on the accuracy of the information provided.

address adequately

More formal and emphasizes addressing all aspects of the question.

handle skillfully

Shifts the focus to the skill in dealing with a question or situation.

articulate clearly

Focuses on the clarity and precision of the answer.

elucidate comprehensively

More formal and suggests a detailed and enlightening explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "answer well" in a sentence?

You can use "answer well" to describe the quality of someone's response. For example, "It's important to "answer well" in a job interview to demonstrate your skills".

What are some alternatives to "answer well"?

Some alternatives to "answer well" include "respond effectively", "reply thoughtfully", or "answer thoroughly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "answer well" or "give a good answer"?

"Answer well" focuses more on the skill and quality of the response, while "give a good answer" is more general. Depending on the context, you might prefer "answer well" to emphasize expertise or provide details.

What does it mean to "answer well" in a professional setting?

In a professional context, to "answer well" means to provide responses that are accurate, clear, and relevant. It also involves demonstrating your knowledge and expertise effectively. Think of using terms like "articulate clearly" or "address adequately".