genuine answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "genuine answer" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means an answer that is sincere, authentic, and true. Example 1: "Thank you for your honest and genuine answer. I appreciate your candor." Example 2: "She asked for a genuine answer, not a rehearsed response, from the interviewee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The genuine answer is I do not know, and it appears few other scientists know either.

The Guardian

Colbert did one gentle ambush, which involved a staged interaction with his own brother, designed to elicit a genuine answer from Jeb: Could he name a policy difference between himself and his brother George?

The New Yorker

He has this warm, almost Caribbean lilt to his voice, and every time I asked a question, he leaned back, listened thoughtfully and then delivered a crisp and what seemed genuine answer.

The New York Times

So let's get out of shock as fast as we can and build the kind of radical movement that has a genuine answer to the hate and fear represented by the Trumps of this world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other times I fall back on Pride and Prejudice because it's as close as I can come to a genuine answer and I do think it's the perfect novel, but recently I've arrived at a much better solution.

The Guardian - Books

The topic of conversation is always the same and there is no genuine answer until one of the big four championships is won.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The new material, if genuine, answers many of their questions.

The Guardian

Sullivan raises these and other questions while acknowledging that genuine answers are almost impossible to come by.

The New York Times

His argument for taking up the role is he is uniquely qualified to advise young riders because of having doped himself – damaging his career and throwing his life into turmoil – he can give genuine answers to the questions they will have.

The Guardian - Sport

Undeterred by this spirit of the age, Williams continued to insist that philosophical issues are real and large questions, having genuine answers.

SEP

Apparently average Americans, but not average pundits, know the difference between scripted, and genuine, answers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking feedback, specifically request a "genuine answer" to ensure you receive honest and constructive criticism, rather than sugar-coated responses.

Common error

Don't mistake a "genuine answer" for a simple agreement. A "genuine answer" might include critical feedback or differing opinions delivered honestly and respectfully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "genuine" modifies the noun "answer". It emphasizes the quality of the answer being truthful and sincere. Ludwig examples confirm its role in various contexts, indicating the speaker's desire for an honest and unfeigned response.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "genuine answer" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to request or describe a response that is sincere, authentic, and truthful. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a valid phrase in written English. While it appears across various domains, it is more frequently observed in news, media, and scientific contexts. To ensure you receive the desired level of honesty, frame your requests carefully and be prepared for potentially critical feedback. Alternatives like "authentic response", "sincere reply", and "candid answer" can also be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Authentic response

Replaces "answer" with "response" emphasizing the authenticity of the reply.

Sincere reply

Substitutes "genuine" with "sincere" which conveys a feeling of honesty and earnestness.

Honest response

Emphasizes the truthfulness and lack of deception in the answer.

Candid answer

Highlights the frankness and straightforwardness of the response.

Truthful response

Focuses on the factual accuracy and absence of falsehoods in the answer.

Bona fide reply

Uses a more formal term to indicate the genuineness and good faith of the reply.

Real answer

Simple substitution for "genuine" indicating something that is not fake or artificial.

Legitimate response

Suggests that the answer is valid and conforms to standards of correctness.

Unfeigned reply

Emphasizes the lack of pretense or artificiality in the response.

Straight answer

Highlights the directness and clarity of the answer, avoiding ambiguity.

FAQs

How can I ask for a "genuine answer" without offending someone?

Use phrases like "I'm looking for honest feedback" or "Please be candid" to signal that you value truthfulness. Frame it as an opportunity for growth, not a personal attack.

What's the difference between a "genuine answer" and a "polite answer"?

A "polite answer" prioritizes social harmony and may gloss over uncomfortable truths. A "genuine answer" prioritizes honesty, even if it requires tact and diplomacy.

When is it appropriate to demand a "genuine answer"?

In professional settings or personal relationships where trust and transparency are crucial. Avoid demanding it in casual conversations where it might be perceived as overly aggressive.

What are alternatives to asking for a "genuine answer"?

You could ask for an "authentic response", a "sincere reply", or a "candid answer" depending on the context.