classic answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'classic answer' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe something that is an expected and straightforward answer. For example: "His response to my question was a classic answer - not too creative, but definitely satisfactory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

("Classic answer," Johnson said).

The New Yorker

The classic answer is: nothing.

Harvard University

Our colleague sorely wanted to give the classic answer.

The New York Times

And they came up with a classic answer: violence.

The New York Times - Books

Get back into bed.' Her classic answer was, 'Because I still can.' " So, the Scheiners went on with life.

The New York Times

(The "snapshot of America" trope was not all that strong, at least not compared to the classic "Answer the census — we're counting on you" of Close Read's childhood).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But his career in Roosevelt's administration ended up a classic answered prayer.

The New York Times - Books

Mohr liked to say that he hoped to go down in history as the White House correspondent who asked questions that produced classic answers from two different presidents.

The New York Times

When Banowsky was asked during the conference call why the Miami penalty was comparatively so mild, he gave the classic N.C.A.A. answer: "Each case is different," he said.

The New York Times

Classic maps answer questions like: How do I get from Point A to Point B? These data images, instead, evoke questions — sometimes, simply: What's that?

The New York Times

The salesman, Mr. Montgomery, said he stood in line all night waiting for tickets; he complained afterward that the president had delivered a "classic political answer" to his question.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "classic answer" to describe a response that is well-established, widely recognized, and often predictable in a given context. It implies familiarity and common understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "classic answer" when the situation calls for originality or innovation. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where a traditional or expected response is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "classic answer" functions as a noun phrase, where 'classic' modifies 'answer'. It denotes a well-known, typical, or predictable response. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, reinforcing its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "classic answer" is a commonly used expression to describe a response that is typical, predictable, or well-established. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, where 'classic' modifies 'answer', indicating a familiar and often expected response. It appears frequently in News & Media and Academia. When using "classic answer", it's important to consider the context and ensure that it aligns with the intended meaning of a conventional or predictable reply. Alternatives like "typical response" or "standard reply" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance. By understanding these aspects, writers can effectively use "classic answer" to convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical response

This alternative highlights the commonness of the response.

standard reply

Emphasizes the conformity to a norm in the reply.

textbook answer

Implies the response is directly from educational material.

expected response

Focuses on the predictability of the answer.

common retort

Suggests a frequently used and often defensive reply.

pat answer

Highlights a polished, perhaps insincere, ready-made response.

routine response

Indicates a response that is given without much thought or variation.

boilerplate response

Implies a standardized answer that is used repeatedly, often in formal settings.

predictable reply

Focuses on the lack of surprise in the response.

conventional answer

Highlights the adherence to accepted norms and practices in the response.

FAQs

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

You can use "classic answer" to describe a predictable or typical response to a question or situation. For example: "When asked about his strategy, the coach gave the "classic answer" about teamwork and determination."

What are some alternatives to "classic answer"?

Some alternatives include "typical response", "standard reply", or "expected response" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "classic answer"?

It's appropriate to use "classic answer" when you want to indicate that a response is not new or original, but rather a well-established or commonly known one. It's often used when someone provides a predictable or textbook-like response.

What is the difference between "classic answer" and "common answer"?

"Classic answer" implies a response that is not only common but also time-tested and perhaps even a bit predictable. "Common answer", on the other hand, simply means that it is a frequent or typical response, without necessarily implying that it is particularly well-established or predictable.