at an answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an answer" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where someone is trying to reach or arrive at a solution or response to a question or problem. Example: "After much deliberation, we finally arrived at an answer that satisfied everyone involved."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two recent announcements hint at an answer.

The Economist

...Here's a whack at an answer.

Harvard University

In telling Emerson's story, Mr Knight hints at an answer.

The Economist

Algorithms process data to arrive at an answer.

The Economist

They arrived at an answer late one night.

The New Yorker

She gives a fair stab at an answer.

The Guardian

Allow me to make a stab at an answer.

The Guardian - Sport

The advertisements for BBC4 hint at an answer.

The Guardian

I made a stab at an answer: out on the street?

The New Yorker

But then something happened that hinted at an answer to my question.

The New Yorker

Responding to a shareholder's question, Mr. Munger surprisingly takes the first crack at an answer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically sound, consider using alternatives like "arrive at a solution" or "reach a conclusion" for enhanced clarity and impact. These alternatives are often perceived as more precise and professional, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "at an answer" in formal documents or academic papers. Vary your language by incorporating stronger verbs and more precise nouns to express the idea of finding a solution or conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an answer" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, typically indicating the endpoint or result of a process. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase may sound awkward and can be replaced with other stronger alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at an answer" is grammatically acceptable and frequently used across various contexts, it's often viewed as less impactful than alternative expressions. Ludwig AI suggests that stronger verbs and more precise nouns can enhance clarity and professionalism, especially in formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "to arrive at a solution" or "to reach a conclusion" for a more refined and impactful message. Keep in mind the specific context and desired level of formality to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to arrive at a solution

Focuses on finding a solution instead of a general answer.

to reach a conclusion

Implies a definitive judgment or decision has been made.

to find a resolution

Emphasizes resolving a problem or conflict.

to determine the response

More formal and focuses on a specific reaction or reply.

to obtain an answer

Replaces 'arrive' with 'obtain' to create a simpler equivalent.

to uncover a response

Implies revealing something previously unknown.

to identify the solution

Specifically points to the act of identifying a problem's solution.

to figure out the answer

Less formal, suggests working through a problem to find an answer.

to deduce the solution

Implies using logical reasoning to reach the solution.

to work out the solution

Suggests a process of figuring something out.

FAQs

How can I use "at an answer" in a sentence?

You can use "at an answer" in sentences where you want to describe the process of reaching a solution or response, such as: "After much deliberation, the team finally arrived "at an answer" that satisfied all stakeholders." However, consider alternatives for greater clarity.

What are some alternatives to "at an answer"?

Alternatives include "to arrive at a solution", "to reach a conclusion", or "to find a resolution", depending on the specific context.

Is "at an answer" grammatically correct?

Yes, "at an answer" is grammatically acceptable, but it may sound less polished or precise compared to alternatives. Ludwig AI suggests using it with caution in formal writing.

When should I avoid using "at an answer"?

While acceptable, avoid overusing "at an answer" in formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more specific alternatives like "to arrive at a solution" or "to reach a conclusion" for a more impactful and clear message.