exact answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"exact answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are asking for a precise response to a specific question. For example, "Can you give me the exact answer to the question?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not easy to give an exact answer.

The New Yorker

"To tell you we had an exact answer would not tell you the truth," he said.

The New York Times

To the second question, however, "Cold Souls" has an exact answer; namely, a credit card.

The New Yorker

By failing to give the false-negative probability, you make the exact answer incalculable.

The Economist

But the exact answer as to why the market reeled Thursday remained elusive.

The New York Times

The severe look on his coupon, despite the stellar nature of that shot, suggests he knows the exact answer.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'll never know the exact answer, but that's something I really don't dwell on," Spadola said of not being drafted.

The New York Times - Sports

Whatever the exact answer, there is some support for the view that schools can handle a substantial fraction of poor students without sacrificing performance.

The New York Times - Magazine

1.37pm "Alas my self-pride will stay low as I don't know the exact answer to your World Cup question," says Ian Copestake.

The Guardian - Sport

Professor Motwani helped explain when a randomized algorithm, which performs only a subset of the computations needed to obtain an exact answer, is sufficiently accurate.

The New York Times

Although studies of the event failed to provide an exact answer, they did narrow the range of estimates and measurements, and ushered in an era of investing in science as a symbol of national prestige.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarity or resolving ambiguity, use "exact answer" to emphasize the need for a precise and unambiguous response.

Common error

Avoid using "exact answer" in situations where subjectivity or interpretation is involved. For instance, don't ask for the "exact answer" to a question about someone's feelings, as such matters are rarely precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb. It emphasizes the need for a solution that is not just correct, but also detailed and precise. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exact answer" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to request or emphasize the need for a precise and accurate response. It sees frequent usage in both news and media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is widely applicable, though it's best reserved for situations where precision is paramount. While alternatives such as "precise response" and "accurate solution" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using "exact answer" in subjective scenarios where a definitive solution may not exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise response

Focuses on the level of detail and accuracy in the reply.

accurate solution

Emphasizes correctness and problem-solving.

correct response

Highlights the accuracy of the reply.

definitive reply

Suggests a conclusive and authoritative response.

specific information

Emphasizes the detail and focus of the information.

precise figure

Highlights the accuracy of a numerical value.

the very answer

Implies that this is the most appropriate response.

accurate calculation

Focuses on getting a numerically accurate result.

unerring answer

Emphasizes the infallibility of the answer.

factual answer

Focuses on the truthfulness of the information.

FAQs

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

You can use "exact answer" when you need a precise response to a specific question. For example: "I need the "exact answer", not an estimate."

What can I say instead of "exact answer"?

You can use alternatives like "precise response", "accurate solution", or "correct response" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exact answer" or "precise answer"?

Both "exact answer" and "precise answer" are correct, but "exact" implies a higher level of accuracy and specificity than "precise". You should pick the word that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "exact answer" and "right answer"?

"Right answer" generally means a correct solution, while "exact answer" indicates a solution that is not just correct but also detailed and precise, leaving no room for approximation.