clear answer

USAGE SUMMARY

'clear answer' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are expecting a definitive answer to a question. For example: "What is the solution to this problem?" "The solution is x - here is a clear answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

(No clear answer, either).

The New York Times

No clear answer is forthcoming.

The New York Times

There is no clear answer.

The Guardian - Sport

Neither had a clear answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Unfortunately, there is no clear answer.

The New York Times

There is no clear answer so far.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

There's no one clear answer".

Vice

Now, we may have a clear answer. .

Vice

Our findings provided a clear answer for this phenomenon.

Plosone

There's no clear answer to the contradiction.

The Guardian - Film

There is no clear answer to that question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear answer" when the intention is to emphasize the simplicity and directness of the response, making it easily accessible to the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "clear answer" in situations requiring detailed or nuanced explanations. Overusing it in complex contexts can oversimplify the issue and potentially mislead the audience. Opt for more descriptive phrases when addressing intricate topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear answer" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "clear" modifies the noun "answer". It is used to describe the quality of an answer, indicating its understandability and lack of ambiguity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s perfectly acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear answer" is a frequently used phrase that emphasizes the understandability and lack of ambiguity in a response. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, reflecting its utility in delivering straightforward explanations. While versatile, it is best suited for situations where simplicity is valued over complexity. Alternatives such as "unequivocal response" or "straightforward response" can add nuance, but "clear answer" remains a solid choice for conveying the need for a direct and easily grasped reply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforward response

Implies the answer is direct and uncomplicated.

unequivocal response

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the reply, highlighting its certainty.

plain answer

Highlights the simplicity and lack of complexity of the answer.

unambiguous explanation

Focuses on the clarity and lack of confusion in the given explanation.

precise reply

Indicates the response is exact and accurate, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

definitive resolution

Suggests a final and conclusive solution or explanation is provided.

intelligible response

Stresses that the answer is easy to understand.

explicit clarification

Highlights that the answer provides precise and detailed understanding.

readily understandable answer

Highlights the easiness and speed with which the answer can be understood.

easily grasped answer

Focuses on how simple is to understand the answer.

FAQs

What does "clear answer" mean?

A "clear answer" refers to a response that is easily understandable, unambiguous, and leaves no room for confusion or misinterpretation.

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

You can use "clear answer" in a sentence like this: "The student provided a "straightforward response" and got a "clear answer" from the teacher regarding the assignment."

What are some alternatives to "clear answer"?

Some alternatives to "clear answer" include "unambiguous explanation", "definitive resolution", or "explicit clarification".

Is "clear answer" formal or informal?

"Clear answer" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It is appropriate for most types of communication.