closer to the answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"closer to the answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used when someone is trying to find a solution or answer to a problem. For example, "I'm getting closer to the answer, I just need to do a little more research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Heathrow is closer to the answer but not deliverable.

The Guardian

Is he getting closer to the answer of how to do that?

The Guardian - Music

Scientists are getting closer to the answer.

Science Magazine

Alexander, KP, and Mark, DB. "Effect of gender on angioplasty outcome: are we closer to the answer?." Mayo Clinic Proceedings 72, no. 1 (January 1997): 89-91.

Duke University

The scientific method moves us closer to the answer, but it does take time and further study, and nutrition study is both young and very difficult.

Huffington Post

The major technical advance of being able to record and store a lifetime of language puts us one step closer to the answer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Now, an ancient femur bone (pictured above) is helping them get closer to the answers.

Science Magazine

"While this study adds to the growing data on the potential utility of oral immunotherapy for treating food allergy," he writes in an e-mail, "I am not sure that this study brings us closer to the answers".

Science Magazine

We might know the answers to these questions, or at least have a body of empirical evidence getting us closer to the answers, if government scientists were allowed to study them.

Forbes

Yet for all this data, it seems we are lost in those piles of data, no closer to the answers that are supposed to solve our most fundamental business and social problems.

TechCrunch

I think we're getting closer to the answers.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closer to the answer" to indicate progress in a problem-solving process, research, or investigation. Ensure the context clearly establishes what the "answer" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "closer to the answer" in situations where progress or advancement is not implied. This phrase suggests movement and effort, so it's not appropriate when describing static states or completed actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closer to the answer" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying an implied subject (e.g., "we are closer to the answer"). It describes a state of progression or advancement towards a solution or understanding. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used to express progress in solving a problem.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "closer to the answer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate progress toward a solution, understanding, or resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used to convey a sense of advancement and optimism in various fields, including news, science, and academia. While it's versatile, it should be used in contexts that imply ongoing progress rather than static situations. Alternatives like "nearer to the solution" or "approaching the resolution" can be used for nuanced expression. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences and writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearer to the solution

Replaces "answer" with "solution", emphasizing the problem-solving aspect.

approaching the resolution

Focuses on the process of resolving an issue or problem.

on the verge of discovery

Highlights the potential for a breakthrough or new finding.

making progress toward the truth

Emphasizes the pursuit of factual or accurate information.

inching toward a resolution

Suggests slow but steady advancement towards a solution.

advancing towards the conclusion

Implies movement toward a final decision or outcome.

gaining ground on the mystery

Focuses on unraveling something that is not yet understood.

becoming closer to understanding

Highlights a better comprehension of a subject matter.

nearing the revelation

Suggests that a crucial piece of information is about to be uncovered.

drawing closer to certainty

Focuses on the movement towards a state of confidence or conviction.

FAQs

How can I use "closer to the answer" in a sentence?

You can use "closer to the answer" to indicate progress towards a solution. For example, "Each experiment brings us "closer to the answer" regarding the cause of the disease."

What is a good alternative to "closer to the answer"?

Alternatives include "nearer to the solution", "approaching the resolution", or "making progress toward the truth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "closer to the answer" or "close to the answer"?

"Closer to the answer" implies ongoing progress, while "close to the answer" suggests proximity. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize advancement or nearness. They both have valid cases depending on context.

What does it mean to be "closer to the answer"?

To be "closer to the answer" means to be making progress in finding a solution, understanding a concept, or resolving a problem. It implies a movement from a state of uncertainty towards a state of clarity or resolution.