control the answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "control the answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to manage or influence the outcome of a response or solution. Example: "In this experiment, we need to control the answer to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Is rent control the answer to the increasing cost of housing in the rich world?

BBC

There is a new threat to our ability to control the answer to this question, with which data scientists must now also contend.

TechCrunch

For those of you wondering how you can possibly do this using your TV remote control the answer is simple you don't have to.

TechCrunch

This invasive method of population control – the answer to the legacy of overpopulation left behind by Mao Zedong – has created a long list of horrors that, besides the child trafficking, includes infanticide, gendercide, infant abandonment and forced abortions, all used by families desperate to meet the set child quotas.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

You cannot control the answers, but the questions were unreal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, if your coaching game is built on even ground, you will ask open-ended questions where you can't control the answers.

HuffPost

So are capital controls the answer?

The Telegraph

We also made sure to balance the dataset, tightly controlling the answer distribution for different groups of questions, in order to prevent educated guesses using language and world priors.

Stanford University

First, we asked if the participant generated a coherent narrative in which one specific event (CF fault-line) was mutated (Yes/No; for 100% of patients and 100% of controls the answer was Yes).

Hippocampus

The other question was: "Did Lance Armstrong have editorial control?" And the answer was "No".

The Guardian - Sport

Particular factual circumstances control, and the answer is a matter of judgment...

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "control the answer", consider the ethical implications of influencing a response, especially in contexts like surveys or research where objectivity is important. Aim for guidance rather than strict manipulation.

Common error

Avoid using "control the answer" in contexts where genuine exploration and diverse perspectives are desired. It can stifle creativity and lead to biased outcomes if the aim is solely to dictate the response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control the answer" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the ability to influence or dictate a particular response. Ludwig AI confirms this is usable in written English. It suggests the action of exerting influence over an outcome.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Science

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "control the answer" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the ability to influence or dictate a particular response. While Ludwig AI validates its usability, it's important to consider the ethical implications and potential for bias when employing this phrase. Semantically related alternatives such as "determine the outcome" or "influence the reply" may offer more nuanced approaches depending on the specific context. The phrase finds use in news and science domains, with a neutral register suitable for varied communication scenarios. Understanding its implications and exploring alternative phrasings allows for more effective and ethical communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine the outcome

Focuses on the end result, suggesting that the answer is a direct consequence of the control.

dictate the response

Emphasizes a stronger influence over the response, suggesting less room for variation.

manage the response

Focuses on overseeing and directing the answer to achieve a desired result.

influence the reply

Suggests a milder form of control, where the answer is guided but not strictly determined.

shape the response

Highlights the act of molding the answer into a desired form.

guide the answer

Suggests providing direction or assistance to arrive at a specific answer.

engineer the solution

Highlights the structured and deliberate process of crafting the answer.

manipulate the solution

Implies a subtle or possibly deceptive way of influencing the outcome.

govern the reply

Suggests a formal and authoritative control over the response.

orchestrate the reply

Implies a planned and coordinated effort to produce a specific response.

FAQs

How can I use "control the answer" in a sentence?

You can use "control the answer" when discussing the ability to manage or influence the outcome of a response or solution. For example, "In this experiment, we need to control the answer to ensure accurate results."

What are some alternatives to "control the answer"?

You can use alternatives like "determine the outcome", "influence the reply", or "manage the response" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to try to "control the answer"?

No, it's not always appropriate. In situations where objectivity and genuine exploration are important, attempting to "control the answer" can be unethical or counterproductive. It is generally better to "guide the answer" instead.

What is the difference between "guide the answer" and "control the answer"?

"Guide the answer" suggests providing direction or assistance to arrive at a specific answer, while "control the answer" implies a stronger influence, potentially limiting the range of possible responses.