have a definite answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a definite answer" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: "After much research and debate, the scientist was finally able to determine that the experiment did not have a definite answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"You know, I don't have a definite answer.

The Washington Post

Some of the work is controversial, so we need more data to have a definite answer".

The Guardian

But the best answer is that we don't have a definite answer.

The New York Times

For the first question, Mr. Richenthal said he suspected he'd have a definite answer early next week.

The New York Times

Or the demolition might not take place for another two years — officials do not seem to have a definite answer.

The New York Times

If you are debating whether or not to take a course in the fall because you might get transfer credit for it, you will not have a definite answer until classes start.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It would be a bad sign if I had a definite answer to that, wouldn't it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I don't think there has been a definite answer," Mr. Funtleyder said.

The New York Times

The question, "What does ISIS want?" baffling to so many people, has received a definite answer.

The New Yorker

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

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

I have a definite advantage".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a definite answer" when you want to express that a question or problem can be resolved with a clear and unambiguous response. It suggests certainty and clarity.

Common error

Be cautious about using "have a definite answer" in situations where opinions or interpretations are involved. This phrase works best when referring to factual matters, not subjective ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a definite answer" functions as a predicate in a sentence, expressing the ability or possibility to provide a clear and unambiguous solution or response. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used in contexts ranging from scientific inquiries to personal assessments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a definite answer" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the ability or possibility of providing a clear and unambiguous solution or response. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, with a neutral register suitable for both professional and casual communication. While it is not exceedingly common, it is a valuable expression to convey certainty in a response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, reinforcing its usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess a conclusive response

Replaces "have" with "possess" and "definite answer" with "conclusive response" maintaining a formal tone.

offer a clear resolution

Substitutes "have a definite answer" with "offer a clear resolution", focusing on providing a solution.

provide a specific solution

Replaces "definite answer" with "specific solution", emphasizing the solution aspect.

furnish a precise reply

Changes "have" to "furnish" and "definite answer" to "precise reply", increasing formality.

present a certain response

Uses "present" instead of "have" and "certain response" instead of "definite answer".

deliver a conclusive reply

Swaps "have" with "deliver" and "definite answer" with "conclusive reply".

supply a firm resolution

Replaces "have" with "supply" and "definite answer" with "firm resolution".

determine a certain conclusion

Changes "have a definite answer" to "determine a certain conclusion", focusing on the determination of a conclusion.

ascertain a clear result

Replaces "have a definite answer" with "ascertain a clear result", highlighting the act of finding a clear outcome.

establish a concrete finding

Uses "establish" in place of "have" and "concrete finding" instead of "definite answer".

FAQs

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

You can use "have a definite answer" to indicate that a question or problem can be resolved with certainty. For example, "The scientist hoped the experiment would "yield a definite answer"".

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

Some alternatives include "possess a conclusive response", "offer a clear resolution", or "provide a specific solution".

Is it better to say "have a definite answer" or "give a definite answer"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "have a definite answer" implies possession of the answer, while "give a definite answer" implies providing the answer to someone else. The choice depends on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "have a definite answer"?

It is inappropriate to use "have a definite answer" in contexts where the subject is subjective or open to interpretation. The phrase implies certainty, which is unsuitable for matters of opinion.