certain answer

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase 'certain answer' when you are referring to an answer that is clearly defined and indisputable to a certain question. For example: "What is the capital of France? Paris is the certain answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

There is no certain answer.

The Washington Post

When she wants to make a point and needs a certain answer, she gets it.

The New York Times - Arts

To this most important and most mysterious question the commission had no certain answer.

The New York Times

The decisions of the Florida courts do not give a certain answer.

The New York Times

A certain answer is probably weeks away — leaving the campaign strategists to pull out their hair for a while longer.

The New York Times

Although I have no certain answer, "Guide" seems to me to sum up Mr. Rauschenberg's present preoccupations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Sometimes, they expect certain answers.

The New York Times

These are questions with no certain answers.

The Washington Post

My doctors had no certain answers for me.

The New York Times

Certain kinds of questions elicit certain answers, and certain questions are asked because of fear.

The New York Times - Arts

As with most economic questions, however, there are no certain answers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain answer" when you want to convey that the answer is not only correct but also leaves no room for doubt or alternative interpretations. It emphasizes the reliability and definiteness of the information.

Common error

Avoid using "certain answer" in situations where opinions or interpretations are involved. This phrase is best suited for factual or objective information, as it implies a lack of ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain answer" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "certain" modifies the noun "answer". It specifies a particular quality of the answer, indicating its definiteness and lack of ambiguity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to describe an answer that is clearly defined and indisputable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a definitive and unambiguous response. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While versatile across various contexts such as News & Media, Academia and Science, it's most effective when conveying confidence and factual accuracy. To enhance your writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase in subjective contexts and consider alternatives like "definitive response" or "irrefutable conclusion" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitive response

Emphasizes the conclusiveness and authoritativeness of the answer.

unquestionable reply

Highlights the lack of doubt or dispute associated with the answer.

precise solution

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the answer as a resolution.

irrefutable conclusion

Stresses the impossibility of arguing against the answer.

clear-cut explanation

Highlights the simplicity and lack of ambiguity in the answer.

categorical affirmation

Implies a strong and unambiguous confirmation.

positive confirmation

Focuses on the affirmative nature of the answer.

conclusive determination

Emphasizes the finality and decisiveness of the answer.

reliable finding

Highlights the trustworthiness and dependability of the answer.

assured resolution

Focuses on the guaranteed and confident nature of the answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain answer" to indicate that the answer to a question is definitive and without doubt. For instance, "When asked about the capital of France, the "definitive response" is Paris".

What's the difference between "certain answer" and "possible answer"?

"Certain answer" implies a definitive and correct response, while "possible answer" suggests one of several potential solutions or interpretations. The first one is a "unquestionable reply", the second one is just one potential one.

Are there situations where "certain answer" is inappropriate?

Yes, using "certain answer" is inappropriate when the topic is subjective or open to interpretation. It's best reserved for situations where there is a demonstrably correct or "precise solution".

What can I say instead of "certain answer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "irrefutable conclusion", "clear-cut explanation", or "definitive response". These all imply a high degree of confidence in the response.