favourable answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "favourable answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is positive or advantageous in a particular context, such as a request or inquiry. Example: "After reviewing my proposal, I was pleased to receive a favourable answer from the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"If patients want to be honest and they give a less favourable answer they fear retribution.

The Guardian

Calculations of mathematical expectation, as by Daniel Bernoulli, led unambiguously to a favourable answer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She's sure it's around, and is, as nominator untergunther says, "waiting for a favourable answer … to the question: 'Love, are you there?'" but it seems so elusive.

The Guardian - Music

It is understood that the paper was ­considering buying the horse or leasing it for the day, if a favourable answer had been given.

The Guardian - Sport

They ranged from the "hmm" to the blatant to the eye-wateringly awful: I recall once the suggestion that I ask a question of another team, in a very airy and innocent manner, hair-twirling and all, to try and get a more favourable answer than previously.

The Guardian

Ordinal outcomes were reduced to two level scales with the most favourable answer category coded as one and all other non-missing categories as zero.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Secondly, respondents provided self-reported data and we cannot exclude "social desirability bias" given that the lead clinicians may have wanted to give favourable answers.

BMC Health Services Research

The most favourable answers were significantly more frequently given in both groups of CAM patients, with a trend toward better outcomes in certified CAM.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

However, when we asked the physicians about the opportunity to use human embryos for isolation of hESC without a concrete alternative, we registered an increase in the percentage of favourable answers (34% for embryos and 44% for supernumerary embryos).

BioMed Research International

23 This discordance between pill cap and MMAS data may have been due to poor acceptability of pill caps among study participants or due to biased reporting with MMAS, as patients may have learnt to provide favourable answers.

BMJ Open

d percentage of patients with the highest possible score (i.e. 100), that is patients who answered the most favourable response choice to all items of the dimension.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In surveys or questionnaires, structure questions to avoid bias and encourage honest and "favourable answers".

Common error

Avoid using "favourable" when you mean "favorite". "Favourable" refers to something advantageous or positive, while "favorite" refers to something preferred or liked best.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "favourable answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "favourable" modifies the noun "answer". It describes the quality or nature of the answer, indicating that it is positive, agreeable, or advantageous.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "favourable answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a positive or advantageous response. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, indicating its versatility across various domains. While alternatives like "positive response" or "encouraging feedback" exist, "favourable answer" maintains a formal tone suitable for professional communication. Remember to use "favourable" to denote something advantageous rather than "favorite", which refers to preference. Using this phrase accurately can enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive response

Emphasizes the affirmative or agreeable nature of the reply.

affirmative reply

Highlights the agreement or consent conveyed in the answer.

encouraging feedback

Focuses on the motivational aspect of the response.

supportive response

Highlights the backing or endorsement implied in the answer.

beneficial outcome

Shifts the focus to the advantageous result stemming from the answer.

satisfactory resolution

Indicates that the answer leads to a pleasing or acceptable conclusion.

agreeable response

Highlights the pleasing or amenable quality of the answer.

auspicious reply

Emphasizes the favorable or promising nature of the answer.

welcome response

Highlights how the response is happily received.

propitious answer

This relates to something that bodes well or indicates favorable conditions, similar to a "favourable answer".

FAQs

What does "favourable answer" mean?

A "favourable answer" indicates a positive, agreeable, or advantageous response to a question, request, or inquiry. It suggests that the answer is likely to lead to a positive outcome or benefit.

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

You can use "favourable answer" in sentences like: "After the presentation, we received a "positive response" from the investors", or "The proposal received a "favourable answer" from the board of directors".

What are some alternatives to "favourable answer"?

Alternatives to "favourable answer" include "positive response", "encouraging feedback", or "supportive response", depending on the specific context.

Is "favourable answer" formal or informal?

"Favourable answer" is generally considered neutral to formal. In more informal contexts, you might opt for alternatives like "good news" or "thumbs up".