give a definite answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"give a definite answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to provide a clear and specific response to a question or statement. You can use it in any situation where you want someone to give a clear and direct answer to a question or issue. Example: "The boss asked us to give a definite answer by the end of the day so she can make a decision on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I can't give a definite answer, though.

The New York Times - Sports

It's very difficult to give a definite answer straight after the game".

The Guardian - Sport

There are no precedents, opinions are divided and there is only one body that can give a definite answer and that's the European court of justice," he said.

The Guardian

South Korea has already given $500,000 for fighting malaria, she said, but the president did not give a definite answer on further assistance.

The New York Times

He could not give a definite answer and instead said his own family's grocery spend was between £70-80 atweek "at least".

The Guardian

I can't give a definite answer, but I think the joy comes from seeing and living through the worst that life can offer; it is an optimism born of hope.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In the case (r=1), Peng [23] has given a definite answer to this theoretical problem.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The results obtained here allow giving a definite answer to this question, because in the infrared range, absorption can also have the nature of electronic transitions between states with the main quantum number equal to 2. The alpha-helix is interesting as a mathematical object too.

Nanoscale Research Letters

We have no means of giving a definite answer to this question, but we suppose that some pockets are labeled as negatives incorrectly because of the inherent lack of complete experimental data (complete in a sense of confirming/ruling out binding with all possible ligands).

Journal of Cheminformatics

Apparently, there are no statistics that can give us a definite answer, but I have a pretty good guess.

Los Angeles Times

" 'Are we Jewish?' And she never would give me a definite answer.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give a definite answer", ensure that you can actually provide a clear and unambiguous response. Avoid using the phrase when you're unsure or need to hedge.

Common error

Don't assume a "definite answer" is always correct. A definite answer is clear and unambiguous, but it can still be wrong. Ensure the answer is not only clear but also accurate and well-supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a definite answer" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in sentences where someone is expected to provide a clear and unambiguous response to a question or request. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts where clarity is essential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give a definite answer" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the need for a clear and unambiguous response. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While it's important to provide a "definite answer", remember that clarity doesn't guarantee accuracy. Ensure the response is well-supported. Alternatives like "provide a conclusive response" or "offer a clear resolution" can be used depending on the context. Always aim for clarity and accuracy in your responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliver an unequivocal answer

Stresses that the answer leaves no room for doubt or misinterpretation.

provide a conclusive response

Uses more formal vocabulary; emphasizes the finality of the answer.

answer without ambiguity

Focuses on removing any potential confusion or vagueness from the response.

offer a clear resolution

Suggests that the answer settles a matter, more applicable where there's doubt or ambiguity.

state a firm conclusion

Highlights the decisiveness of the answer, stressing certainty.

present a decided response

Emphasizes the thoughtful and intentional nature of the answer.

articulate a specific reply

Focuses on the clarity and precision of the answer.

respond with certainty

Highlights the confidence and lack of hesitation in the answer.

furnish a precise solution

Conveys that the answer accurately addresses the problem at hand.

resolve the question directly

Emphasizes that the answer addresses the issue without evasion.

FAQs

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

You can use "give a definite answer" when you want to express that someone needs to provide a clear and unambiguous response. For example, "The manager asked the team to "give a definite answer" by Friday."

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

Some alternatives to "give a definite answer" include "provide a conclusive response", "offer a clear resolution", or "state a firm conclusion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "give a definite answer" or "give a possible answer"?

It depends on the situation. If you know the answer with certainty, "give a definite answer" is appropriate. If you're unsure, it's better to "give a possible answer" with appropriate caveats.

What does it mean when someone cannot "give a definite answer"?

When someone cannot "give a definite answer", it usually means they lack sufficient information, are uncertain about the outcome, or there are too many variables to provide a clear and unambiguous response. This is also observed when people "can't give a definite answer".