give a clear answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give a clear answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to provide a straightforward and unambiguous response to a question or issue. Example: "In order to resolve this matter efficiently, please give a clear answer to my inquiry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Cameron declined to give a clear answer.

The Guardian

At no point in the speech did he give a clear answer to those four questions.

The Guardian - Music

Goodwill refused to give a clear answer on the number of children who would be helped.

The Guardian

After refusing to give a clear answer she was reprimanded by the chairman, Keith Vaz.

The Guardian

They can give a clear answer to what she stood for.

The Times

technical official did not initially give a clear answer as to what happened at the start of the race.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Pressed by Kimmel to give a clearer answer, she added: "I'm obviously thinking about all kinds of decisions".

The Guardian

Mass spectrometry is a more quantitative measure and while it would go beyond replicating the published findings it might give a clearer answer.

eLife

Individual IgM or IgG antibody-based tests taken at appropriate time points post-onset of fever could be performed, which may give a clearer answer and aid the differentiation of past and current infections.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Their theoretical treatment of this problem gives a clear answer.

MIT Technology Review

He rotated in circles and never gave a clear answer, which is an answer in itself.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "give a clear answer", ensure that the context allows for a straightforward and unambiguous response. Avoid using it in situations where nuance or complexity is required.

Common error

Don't use "give a clear answer" to demand oversimplified responses to complex issues. Ensure the question allows for a direct and honest answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a clear answer" functions as a request or demand for a straightforward and unambiguous response. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts where clarity and directness are valued, such as political interviews and scientific discussions. It prompts for a resolution or explanation that leaves no room for misinterpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give a clear answer" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to request or demand a straightforward and unambiguous response. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While it maintains a neutral register, ensuring broad applicability, related phrases like "provide a definite response" or "offer an explicit clarification" can add nuance. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the question warrants a direct answer and to avoid demanding simplistic solutions to complex problems. In essence, "give a clear answer" promotes transparency and understanding in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a definite response

Replaces "clear answer" with "definite response", emphasizing certainty.

offer an explicit clarification

Substitutes "give" with "offer" and "clear answer" with "explicit clarification", highlighting the act of making something clearer.

furnish an unambiguous explanation

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "give" with "furnish" and "clear answer" with "unambiguous explanation".

present a straightforward reply

Replaces "give" with "present" and "clear answer" with "straightforward reply", focusing on directness.

articulate a precise statement

Substitutes "give" with "articulate" and "clear answer" with "precise statement", suggesting careful and exact expression.

elucidate the matter plainly

Changes the structure to focus on the act of elucidating something plainly rather than giving an answer.

resolve the question definitively

Shifts the focus to resolving a question with definitiveness, rather than providing a clear answer.

respond with certainty

Focuses on the manner of responding, emphasizing certainty and confidence.

deliver a lucid account

Replaces "give" with "deliver" and "clear answer" with "lucid account", highlighting clarity in the explanation.

express a distinct opinion

Focuses on expressing a clear and distinct opinion rather than just providing an answer.

FAQs

How can I use "give a clear answer" in a sentence?

You can use "give a clear answer" when you want someone to provide a straightforward and easily understandable response. For example: "The reporter asked the politician to "give a clear answer" about the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "give a clear answer"?

Alternatives include "provide a definite response", "offer an explicit clarification", or "furnish an unambiguous explanation".

Is it better to "give a clear answer" or "provide a detailed explanation"?

It depends on the situation. "Give a clear answer" is best when a direct, unambiguous response is needed. "Provide a detailed explanation" is more appropriate when context and background information are important.

What does it mean when someone refuses to "give a clear answer"?

It often implies that the person is avoiding the question, being evasive, or does not want to commit to a specific position.