desired answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desired answer" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are asking for a specific response or response that you are hoping to receive. For example: "What is your desired answer to this question?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Cecilia has taken it that only a firm "no" will win his hand, and has duly given the desired answer.

The Guardian - Books

As a career language guardian, I was more than casually interested in the College Board's decision to throw out a grammar question on its PSAT after a high school teacher pointed out that the desired answer was not technically correct.

The New York Times

"Do you want to play baseball every day in the Dominican or go to school up here?" he said, loading the question to induce the desired answer from a 15-year-old.

The New York Times - Sports

Students may recall shared knowledge, or infer the desired answer.

Functional Linguistics

Moreover, the algorithm assumes target outputs supplied exogenously by modelers who know the desired answer.

SEP

If it's valid, he recovers the desired answer for the original problem φ.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

This ensures efficient experiments that can provide the desired answers to the "Which" and "How" questions.

Data Handling in Science and Technology

If browsers do not spit back the desired answers in less than a quarter-second, exasperation sets in.

BBC

By asking more questions, you will not get the desired answers.

Huffington Post

They might have also given socially desired answers.

BMC Psychiatry

Hence, the results of this part of the questionnaire seemed not biased by socially desired answering.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In survey design, clearly define the "desired answer" to ensure consistent coding and analysis of responses.

Common error

Do not use "desired answer" if the context implies coercion or manipulation to obtain a specific response. Ensure the question allows for honest and unbiased answers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desired answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It specifies the particular response that someone is looking for or expecting, as shown by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desired answer" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a specific or preferred response. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in scientific, news, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to avoid ambiguity or implications of coercion when using this phrase. Alternatives like "intended response" or "expected reply" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. Remember to maintain neutrality in phrasing, especially in surveys or formal contexts, to ensure unbiased responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended response

Focuses on the planned or expected reply.

expected reply

Highlights the anticipated or predicted answer.

target response

Emphasizes the specific response being aimed for.

prescribed answer

Suggests a mandatory or required response.

preferred solution

Shifts the focus to a favorable resolution or outcome.

optimal result

Highlights the most favorable or ideal outcome.

sought-after reply

Indicates a response that is actively being pursued or looked for.

anticipated response

Focuses on the expected or foreseen answer.

required answer

Implies that a specific answer is necessary or obligatory.

hoped-for response

Suggests an answer that is wished for or anticipated with optimism.

FAQs

How can I use "desired answer" in a survey question?

Instead of directly asking for the "desired answer", frame the question neutrally and provide clear response options. Ensure the question doesn't lead respondents towards a specific response.

What are some alternatives to "desired answer"?

You can use alternatives like "intended response", "expected reply", or "target response" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "desired answer" in a formal context?

Yes, "desired answer" is acceptable in formal contexts when referring to a specific response being sought, particularly in research or data analysis.

What's the difference between "desired answer" and "correct answer"?

"Desired answer" refers to the specific response you are hoping to receive, while "correct answer" implies there is a single, objectively right response. The "desired answer" may not always be the "correct answer".