furnish an answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "furnish an answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to provide a response or solution to a question or problem. Example: "Please furnish an answer to the inquiry by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Cohn's 1976 article may furnish an answer.

The New York Times

Finally, the fact that police officers violated state statutes in their treatment of the petitioner does 'not furnish an answer' to the question whether a confession was voluntarily made.

Cornell University

And they furnish an answer to my enquiry; for they imply that mind is the parent of that class of the four which we called the cause of all; and I think that you now have my answer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The West's own history furnishes an answer.

The New York Times

When this support finally bore fruit in 1913, the organization announced that "the adoption of the Income Tax Amendment to the federal Constitution furnishes an answer to the revenue problem".

The New York Times

When this support finally bore fruit in 1913, the organization announced that "the adoption of the Income Tax Amendment to the federal Constitution furnishes an answer to the revenue problem". As a result, it said, the time had come for all foes of alcohol to put aside the state-by-state strategy and focus on a new goal.

The New York Times

Where Are the Customers' Yachts? by Fred Schwed Jr. John Wileyy & Sons), a title I mentioned in my previous column, indirectly furnishes an answer.

Forbes

His acceptance of the importance of psychology while reemphasizing man's freedom and responsibility furnished an answer to Freud's instinct-centered psychoanalysis.

SEP

(1) The FLSA does not furnish a clear answer to this question, but it provides at least one interpretive clue by exempting anyone "employed... in the capacity of [an] outside salesman". 29 U. S. C. §213(a)(1).

Cornell University

Although the provision that establishes the overtime salesman exemption does not furnish a clear answer to the question before us, it provides at least one interpretive clue: It exempts anyone "employed... in the capacity of [an] outside salesman". 29 U. S. C. §213(a)(1) (emphasis added).

Cornell University

We also furnish an example which supports our main result.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "furnish an answer" in formal or legal contexts where a more sophisticated vocabulary is appropriate. In less formal situations, consider using "provide an answer".

Common error

Avoid using "furnish an answer" in everyday conversations. It can sound overly formal or stilted in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "give an answer" or "provide a response" are usually more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "furnish an answer" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the action of providing or supplying a response to a question or inquiry. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and can be found in various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "furnish an answer" is a grammatically sound, though relatively infrequent, way to express the act of providing a response. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage leans towards formal contexts, including academic, news, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "provide an answer" or "give an answer" may be more common in everyday language, "furnish an answer" maintains its place in more sophisticated or official communications. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing between these options to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide an answer

Replaces "furnish" with the more common and simpler "provide".

supply an answer

Similar to "provide", but emphasizes the act of making something available.

offer a solution

Shifts the focus from a direct answer to a more comprehensive solution.

give a response

Uses "response" instead of "answer", implying a more detailed reply.

present a clarification

Emphasizes making something clearer or easier to understand.

submit a reply

Implies a formal or official response.

proffer a response

Uses "proffer", which is a more formal and less common synonym of "offer".

advance a suggestion

Suggests a possible solution or idea for consideration.

extend an explanation

Focuses on providing a detailed account or justification.

yield an answer

Suggests that an answer is produced as a result of something.

FAQs

What does "furnish an answer" mean?

To "furnish an answer" means to provide or supply an answer. It's a more formal way of saying to give an answer.

When is it appropriate to use "furnish an answer"?

The phrase "furnish an answer" is most appropriate in formal settings, such as legal documents, official inquiries, or academic papers. In everyday conversation, alternatives like "provide an answer" or "give an answer" are generally more suitable.

What are some synonyms for "furnish an answer"?

Synonyms for "furnish an answer" include "provide an answer", "supply an answer", "offer a solution", and "give a response".

Is "furnish an answer" grammatically correct?

Yes, "furnish an answer" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules, although it is less commonly used than other alternatives.