give a satisfactory answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give a satisfactory answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of providing a response that meets the expectations or requirements of the question or situation. Example: "The teacher expected the students to give a satisfactory answer to the exam questions to demonstrate their understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

On stage I crumble, unable to give a satisfactory answer.

The Guardian

The choice of either monotheism or polytheism, however, leads to problems, because neither can give a satisfactory answer to all questions that may reasonably be put.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, there is no straightforward answer as to which of these two structures is the favorable one; experimental studies do not give a satisfactory answer, and theoretical calculations yield provisions which depend on applied computational methods.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Due to the fact that informational networking does not give a satisfactory answer, Innerarity (2013, p. 96) demands mediation instances and procedures which must accept the requirement of "profesionalidad y representación".

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

But this sum can also be rewritten 1 − (1 − 1 + 1 − 1 + …) = 1 − 0 since we've just shown that the term in parentheses vanishes—= 1. Relying on intuitions about how to perform infinite sums leads to the conclusion that 1 = 0. Until one can give a theory of infinite sums that can give a satisfactory answer to any problem, one cannot say that Zeno's infinite sum is obviously finite.

SEP

Indeed, the deeply ingrained cross-party view of progress as middle class consumerism can't carry Brazilians to a sustainable future because the environmental, climate, and resource requirements just don't give a satisfactory answer to a question capitalism seldom allows: what constitutes enough?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Nobody's given a satisfactory answer!" Turning to the planning inspector, Ingram said, "This is a Trojan Horse".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One important reason for asking, and for giving a satisfactory answer to, this question is a concern that the child's moral status should be adequately secured and protected.

SEP

Many young trainees are frustrated with their early journal club experiences because too often the more senior faculty focus on the minutiae that make the answer to the first question 'maybe' or 'no', without giving a satisfactory answer to the second question.

Critical Care

Neither Bloomberg nor Green could give me a satisfactory answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

No one could give me a satisfactory answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider including quantifiable metrics, when relevant, to demonstrate that the response meets the required standards. For instance, 'The report must give a satisfactory answer, demonstrating a 90% accuracy rate based on the provided data'.

Common error

Avoid using "give a satisfactory answer" without defining what makes the answer 'satisfactory'. Failing to provide specific criteria can lead to misinterpretations and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a satisfactory answer" functions as a verb phrase, where 'give' is the main verb and 'a satisfactory answer' is the direct object. It expresses the action of providing a response that meets a certain level of acceptability or adequacy. Ludwig's examples illustrate how this phrase is used in different contexts to denote the act of providing an acceptable response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give a satisfactory answer" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of providing a response that meets a certain standard or expectation. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating its usage across varied fields. While "satisfactory" can be subjective, clear criteria should be established to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "provide a sufficient response" or "offer a convincing explanation" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic settings, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a sufficient response

Replaces 'give' with 'provide' and 'satisfactory' with 'sufficient', emphasizing adequacy.

offer an acceptable explanation

Substitutes 'answer' with 'explanation', focusing on the reason behind something; 'satisfactory' replaced with 'acceptable'.

furnish a convincing reply

Uses 'furnish' instead of 'give' and 'convincing' to suggest a persuasive answer.

supply a fulfilling resolution

Replaces 'answer' with 'resolution' suggesting a more conclusive and satisfying response.

present a credible account

Emphasizes the trustworthiness of the answer by using 'credible' and replaces 'give' with 'present' and 'answer' with 'account'.

deliver a suitable rejoinder

Formal alternative, replacing 'give' with 'deliver' and 'answer' with the more formal 'rejoinder'.

render a pleasing response

Uses 'render' instead of 'give' and 'pleasing' to suggest the answer is well-received or agreeable.

extend a validating retort

Replaces 'give' with 'extend' and implies the response confirms or supports something by using 'validating'. 'Answer' becomes 'retort'.

make a good response

More informal; uses 'make' instead of 'give' and 'good' instead of 'satisfactory'.

put forward a sound explanation

Emphasizes the logic of the answer using 'sound', replacing 'give' with 'put forward' and 'answer' with 'explanation'.

FAQs

How can I use "give a satisfactory answer" in a formal context?

In formal settings, "give a satisfactory answer" implies meeting specific, often documented, criteria. Ensure your response directly addresses all points, providing evidence and logical reasoning. For instance, in a legal context, providing a "sufficient response" to a judge's question is crucial.

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "provide an adequate response", "offer a convincing explanation", or "furnish a sufficient account". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean for an answer to be considered 'satisfactory'?

A 'satisfactory' answer meets the minimum requirements or expectations for a given situation. This often means the answer is complete, accurate, and addresses the core question or problem effectively. The criteria for 'satisfactory' can vary greatly depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "give a satisfactory answer" and "provide a complete explanation"?

While similar, "give a satisfactory answer" focuses on meeting a certain standard or requirement, whereas "provide a complete explanation" emphasizes thoroughness and detail. A complete explanation may not always be satisfactory if it doesn't directly address the core issue or meet specific criteria, and vice versa.