answers

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "answers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to either a response to a question or an explanation or solution to a problem. For example: "The answers to the quiz can be found in the back of the textbook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For thousands more questions and answers take a trip through the dusty corridors of the Knowledge archive.

The Guardian - Sport

There are no easy answers.

The New York Times

"I want answers".

The New York Times

During a "showdown" with presenter Alex Brooker, who deployed a "bullshit buzzer" when he was unhappy with the quality of the Liberal Democrat leader's answers, Clegg faced a barrage of tricky questions.

The Guardian

The terror group stressed in a series of written answers to the Guardian's questions that future attacks would alternate between the "military, political and economic targets".

The Guardian

The collection answers the endless questions of what to do with the tiny turnips, pink-flushed Florence onions, purple carrots and broad beans the size of a little finger that those of us who use box systems or shop at farmers' markets often find in our kitchens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His answers were fluent and when he had the chance to square up directly against David Cameron he was forceful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Alliance party leader and Northern Ireland's justice minister, David Ford had demanded a recall of the Stormont assembly where he wants answers from mainstream unionist politicians about the violence.

The Guardian

Many of our young people, adept in collating, processing and sharing information, seek rapid answers to the problems that gather around them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Above all, secularism means keeping open the possibility that there may not be satisfactory answers to difficult questions, be they scientific, political or existential, that humanity cannot help but ask.

The Guardian - Opinion

An audacious search for answers amid more than a century of data, The Chimp and the River tells the haunting tale of one of the most devastating pandemics of our time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answers" when referring to solutions or explanations that resolve a question or problem, rather than just general information.

Common error

Avoid using "answers" without specifying what questions they address. Instead of saying "The report provides answers", specify what questions the report answers: "The report provides answers to key questions about market trends".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "answers" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple responses or solutions to questions or problems. It can also function as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "answer". Ludwig shows that "answers" is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "answers" functions primarily as a plural noun denoting responses or solutions. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from formal academic writing to neutral news reporting. It’s important to use "answers" with clear context, specifying the questions or problems being addressed to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "solutions", "explanations", and "responses" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to maintain grammatical accuracy by using "the answers are" for plural subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responses

Highlights the act of replying to a question or request.

replies

Similar to "responses", but can imply a more casual or direct communication.

solutions

Focuses specifically on resolutions to problems, rather than general responses.

resolutions

Similar to "solutions", but often used in the context of formal or official decisions.

explanations

Emphasizes clarifying details or reasons behind something.

findings

Implies the result of research or investigation.

clarifications

Focuses on making something clearer and easier to understand.

interpretations

Suggests understanding or explaining the meaning of something.

elucidations

A more formal term for making something clear or understandable.

outcomes

Focuses on the results or consequences of a process or action.

FAQs

How can I use "answers" in a sentence?

You can use "answers" in sentences like, "The student provided detailed answers to the exam questions", or "The investigation sought answers to the cause of the accident".

What are some alternatives to the word "answers"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "solutions", "explanations", "responses", or "replies".

Is it correct to say "the answer are" instead of "the answers are"?

No, "the answer are" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "the answers are", as "answers" is plural and requires a plural verb.

What's the difference between "answers" and "solutions"?

"Answers" generally refer to any response to a question or problem, while "solutions" specifically imply a way to resolve a problem or difficulty. All solutions are answers, but not all answers are solutions.