complete answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"complete answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone seeks a response that is comprehensive in scope or thorough in detail. For example, "Please provide a complete answer to the question posed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a more complete answer?

The New York Times

Or not the complete answer.

The Guardian - Sport

Humour is not a complete answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

No, that wasn't the complete answer.

The New Yorker

MY nostalgia is not a complete answer, of course.

The New York Times

"He was looking for a more complete answer".

The New York Times

The complete answer was that he was not an artist.

The New Yorker

But he died before he could reach a complete answer.

The New York Times

There is a necessity for developing a complete answer representing standard tolerance practices.

Computer-Aided Design

No outsider can have a complete answer to such a question.

The New Yorker

This was never a complete answer, even in theory, and in practice it is proving shambolic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarification, request a "complete answer" to ensure all aspects of your question are addressed. This sets clear expectations for the response.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "complete answer" when addressing multifaceted or evolving subjects. Acknowledge the inherent complexity and potential for ongoing insights, instead framing responses as 'comprehensive' or 'thorough' but not necessarily final.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete answer" functions as a noun phrase where 'complete' modifies 'answer', specifying the type of answer being sought or provided. As Ludwig AI also suggests, it is used to describe a response that is comprehensive and thorough.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete answer" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a thorough and exhaustive response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially where detail and comprehensiveness are crucial. Analyzing various sources, we see it frequently appears in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", reflecting its widespread applicability when requesting or providing detailed information. When using this phrase, remember that while thoroughness is valued, some complex topics may not have definitive answers; ensure you convey the most comprehensive information available within the known limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough response

Focuses on the level of detail and attention given in the response.

comprehensive reply

Highlights the extensive coverage and detail of the answer.

exhaustive explanation

Emphasizes the depth and all-inclusive nature of the explanation.

full explanation

Stresses that the explanation is unabridged and contains all necessary information.

detailed solution

Highlights the inclusion of specific elements and rich information in the solution.

in-depth analysis

Focuses on the thorough and penetrating nature of the analysis provided.

total solution

Implies a solution that is all-encompassing and addresses every aspect of the problem.

definitive answer

Highlights the finality and authoritativeness of the answer.

absolute answer

Focuses on the certainty and decisiveness of the answer.

the whole answer

Stresses that no parts of the answer have been left out or omitted.

FAQs

How can I ask for a comprehensive response?

Instead of just asking for an answer, specify that you need a "complete answer". This helps ensure you receive a thorough and detailed explanation.

What's a good alternative to "complete answer"?

Consider using terms like "thorough response", "comprehensive reply", or "exhaustive explanation" to convey the need for a detailed and all-encompassing response.

Is it always possible to provide a "complete answer"?

Not always. In some cases, a topic might be too complex, or there may be insufficient data to provide a truly "complete answer". In such cases, acknowledge the limitations and offer the most thorough response possible.

How does a "complete answer" differ from a simple answer?

A "complete answer" goes beyond a basic response by providing detailed explanations, addressing all facets of the question, and leaving no significant gaps in understanding. It aims for comprehensiveness, unlike a simple answer that offers only the core information.