authoritative answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authoritative answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is considered reliable, credible, or definitive on a particular subject. Example: "The scientist provided an authoritative answer to the question about climate change, drawing on years of research and data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It offers no authoritative answer.

The New York Times

"ITV aren't authorities on any subject at all so I'll return to your knowledge for an authoritative answer please".

The Guardian - Sport

Today an administration official said the United States now "expects an authoritative answer from Iran on what we've been picking up".

The New York Times

The most authoritative answer is provided by the Pentagon and the intelligence services in their regular reports to Congress on global security.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Chicago Manual is probably the best known of its ilk in America, and many people therefore write in hoping that its staff will hand down the authoritative answer to any usage and style question, no matter how trivial.

The Economist

I can give a fairly authoritative answer to this because it so happens that while we were there the finalists for Miss Tahiti were all being photographed by the press.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Ultimately we're looking for some authoritative answers in an era of great social, political, economic, as well as natural, upheaval," Professor Campbell said.

The New York Times

Arbus was so convincing in the role that Alda recalled sitting between takes and asking him serious psychiatric questions, expecting authoritative answers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Some found that Mr. Cheney's authoritative answers, particularly on foreign policy and national security, underscored the thinness of Mr. Bush's responses in those areas.

The New York Times

During the phone hacking scandal, Murdoch failed to give authoritative answers about how journalists he employed could have strayed so far from the law in tapping phones for stories.

Independent

It was the Vietnam era, and Professor Lipman believed that many Americans were too accepting of authoritative answers and slow to reason for themselves — by college, he feared, it would be too late.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "authoritative answer" when you need to emphasize the reliability and credibility of a response, particularly in contexts where expertise or official confirmation is important.

Common error

Avoid using "authoritative answer" in casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler, less formal term like "good answer" or "solid response" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authoritative answer" functions as a descriptor, modifying the noun "answer" to indicate its reliability and credibility. Ludwig examples confirm that it appears frequently in contexts where expert knowledge or official confirmation is crucial. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "authoritative answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a reliable and credible response. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for formal and professional contexts where accuracy and expertise are valued. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its frequent use in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "definitive response" or "reliable response" exist, "authoritative answer" specifically emphasizes the source's expertise and credibility. Using this phrase appropriately can enhance the trustworthiness and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitive response

Focuses on the conclusiveness and finality of the answer.

reliable response

Emphasizes the trustworthiness and dependability of the answer.

credible answer

Highlights the believability and validity of the answer.

expert opinion

Suggests the answer is derived from someone with specialized knowledge.

informed response

Highlights that the answer is based on knowledge and information.

conclusive finding

Implies that the answer results from an investigation or study.

validated solution

Suggests the answer is a verified solution to a problem.

established fact

Presents the answer as a well-known and accepted truth.

official statement

Suggests the answer comes from an organization or authority.

researched conclusion

Highlights that the answer is a conclusion reached through research.

FAQs

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

You can use "authoritative answer" to describe a response that comes from a reliable and knowledgeable source. For example: "The scientist provided an "authoritative answer" about climate change, based on years of research."

What is a good alternative to "authoritative answer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "definitive response", "reliable response", or "expert opinion".

When is it appropriate to use "authoritative answer"?

It's appropriate when the answer is based on expertise, credible sources, or official confirmation. It's best used in formal or professional settings where accuracy and reliability are important.

Is "authoritative answer" the same as "correct answer"?

While both indicate accuracy, "authoritative answer" emphasizes the source's credibility and expertise, whereas "correct answer" simply highlights that the information is factually right. An "authoritative answer" is expected to be a correct one, presented by someone with high competence in the subject matter.