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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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direct answer

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"direct answer" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a response given to a question or request that is straightforward and to the point. For example, "The CEO's direct answer to the question was, 'No.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No direct answer.

It's called a "direct answer".

You cannot give the direct answer.

News & Media

The New York Times

He got no direct answer, he recalled.

News & Media

The New York Times

[laughs] Trying to avoid a direct answer.

News & Media

The New York Times

Pence did not give a direct answer.

"Frankly, I don't have a direct answer," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

And he couldn't give me a direct answer.

News & Media

The New Yorker

He surprised us by giving us a direct answer.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Republicans have a direct answer for this problem.

News & Media

The New York Times

Mr. Neiman did not give a direct answer.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "direct answer" when you want to emphasize the clarity and lack of ambiguity in a response. For example, use it when contrasting with evasive or unclear answers.

Common error

While "direct answer" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "explicit response" or "definitive reply" for a more polished tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direct answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., "give a direct answer") or follows a preposition (e.g., "in direct answer to"). Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "direct answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a straightforward and unambiguous response. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. While versatile, consider substituting it with synonyms like "straight answer" or "forthright reply" in formal settings to enhance stylistic variation. Remember to use "direct answer" when you want to emphasize clarity and lack of evasion in a response, and avoid overuse in overly formal writing.

FAQs

How can I use "direct answer" in a sentence?

You can use "direct answer" to describe a response that is straightforward and unambiguous. For example: "She gave a "direct answer" to the question about her qualifications".

What can I say instead of "direct answer"?

You can use alternatives like "straight answer", "unambiguous response", or "forthright reply" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "direct answer" or "directly answer"?

"Direct answer" is a noun phrase, while "directly answer" uses "directly" as an adverb modifying the verb "answer". For example: "She gave a "direct answer"" versus "She "directly answered" the question".

What's the difference between "direct answer" and "honest answer"?

A ""direct answer"" is straightforward and to the point, while an "honest answer" is truthful. An answer can be direct without being honest, and vice versa.

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Authority and reliability

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: