definitively answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitively answer" is not correct in standard English; it should be "definitively answers" or "definitive answer." You can use it when discussing the act of providing a clear and final response to a question or issue.
Example: "The research aims to definitively answer the question of climate change's impact on biodiversity."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

[ 5- 8] The goal of this paper is not to provide a comprehensive review of these possible definitions, and there are many, or to definitively answer the question of whether human reproductive cloning infringes human dignity.

BMC Medical Ethics

Just how far back is a question no one can definitively answer.

The New York Times

Standing alone without context, that question is impossible to definitively answer.

The New Yorker

There's no repository that can definitively answer every question about the game.

The Guardian - Tech

His refusal to definitively answer any question regarding torture speaks volumes about that relationship.

The New York Times

The book cannot definitively answer this question, but it raises serious and substantial doubts about the criminal investigations to date.

The Guardian

The authors cannot definitively answer questions like what constitutes minerality in wine, whether wild or cultured yeasts are superior or how wines age.

The New York Times - Food

"The current management team invested time and money to definitively answer the question of whether Actimmune could offer a benefit to patients," she said.

The New York Times

Whether anyone still cares that much may be one of the few questions Mr. Garment can definitively answer with his book, "In Search of Deep Throat" (Basic Books).

The New York Times

A person close to the investigation said on Monday that the Ludwig report would not definitively answer whether there was collusion inside or outside the bank.

The New York Times

What kind of research could definitively answer the question of how the clotting risk with drug-coated stents compares with the risks of alternative treatments?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "definitively answer" is commonly used, consider using "definitively answers" or "provide a definitive answer" for better grammatical correctness.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use the adverb "definitively" to modify the verb "answer" when the adjective "definitive" is more appropriate. To avoid this, consider using "provide a definitive answer" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitively answer" functions as an adverb-verb combination, where "definitively" modifies the verb "answer". The goal is to express a sense of providing a final, clear, and authoritative response to a question. Despite its frequent use, Ludwig AI indicates this construction may be grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definitively answer" is frequently used across various contexts, especially in science and news media, to indicate a clear and final resolution to a question. However, it's essential to note that Ludwig AI flags this phrase as potentially grammatically incorrect. A more grammatically sound alternative is to use "definitively answers" (when the subject is singular) or "provide a definitive answer". While "definitively answer" is common, opting for grammatically correct alternatives enhances the clarity and authority of your writing. Always consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusively answer

Implies a resolution that leaves no doubt.

irrefutably answer

Emphasizes the impossibility of arguing against the answer.

decisively answer

Focuses on the clear and determined nature of the answer.

definitively respond

Substitutes "answer" with a more formal verb.

authoritatively answer

Highlights the expertise behind the answer.

settle the question definitively

Shifts focus to resolving the issue, not just answering.

resolve the issue definitively

Similar to settling the question, but can involve more than just answering.

provide a definitive answer

Transforms the phrase to use "definitive" as an adjective.

give a conclusive response

Changes both the adjective and the verb for a less direct phrasing.

determine with certainty

Expresses a similar sentiment without using "answer" directly.

FAQs

How to use "definitively answer" in a sentence?

While commonly used, it's grammatically more accurate to say "definitively answers" or "provide a definitive answer". For example, "The study definitively answers the question" or "The study provides a definitive answer".

What can I say instead of "definitively answer"?

You can use alternatives like "conclusively answer", "irrefutably answer", or "provide a definitive answer" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "definitively answer" or "definitively answers"?

"Definitively answers" is grammatically correct when the subject is singular. "Definitively answer" can be part of an infinitive form, like "to definitively answer the question."

What's the difference between "definitively answer" and "provide a definitive answer"?

"Definitively answer" uses the adverb to modify the verb, while "provide a definitive answer" uses an adjective to describe the answer. Both aim to convey a sense of finality and clarity, but "provide a definitive answer" is generally considered grammatically stronger.