immediate answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"immediate answer" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used for when you need a reply to a question as soon as possible. For example: "Can you please give me an immediate answer to my question?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's no immediate answer.

The New York Times

"Yes!" was the immediate answer.

The New York Times - Travel

The young bacchant had an immediate answer.

The New Yorker

The immediate answer is rather well.

The Economist

Of course, the immediate answer is growth.

The Economist

The French media had no immediate answer.

The New York Times

Mr. Siegel's immediate answer is Stalin.

The New York Times - Books

"I don't have an immediate answer here.

The Guardian

There seemed no immediate answer to this piece of wisdom.

The New York Times - Food

The immediate answer to this problem is simple.

The New York Times

The immediate answer is sweets – and plenty of them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "immediate answer" when emphasizing the need for a quick and timely response. This is especially relevant in situations where a delay could have negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate answer" when a more detailed and thoughtful response is required, not just a fast one. Sometimes, a quick answer can be superficial or incomplete, and it's better to prioritize accuracy and thoroughness over speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., need, expect, give) or as a complement. It signifies the demand or provision of a prompt response, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immediate answer" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for conveying the need for a prompt response. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its prevalence in news, business, and science contexts underscores its versatility. While alternatives like "instant answer" or "prompt answer" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to balance the need for speed with the complexity of the question to ensure a thoughtful and accurate response. Over all "immediate answer" can be used in several examples listed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instant answer

Emphasizes the immediacy and speed of the response, suggesting it's almost instantaneous.

rapid answer

Highlights the quickness of the response, suitable when speed is crucial.

prompt answer

Suggests the answer is given without delay and is readily available.

quick response

Focuses on the speed with which someone reacts or replies.

no-delay answer

Underscores the absence of any delay in providing the answer.

straightforward answer

Implies a clear and uncomplicated response, focusing on the clarity of the answer rather than the speed.

ready reply

Implies the answer is prepared and easily given.

on-the-spot response

Highlights that the answer is given immediately without any preparation.

same-time feedback

Emphasizes that response has the feedback during the time of asking

top-of-the-head response

Suggests a response given spontaneously without much thought.

FAQs

How can I ask for a response without explicitly requesting an "immediate answer"?

You can use phrases like "Could you get back to me as soon as possible?", "Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated", or "I need this information urgently".

Is it always appropriate to ask for an "immediate answer"?

No, it depends on the context. For complex questions or tasks, allowing sufficient time for consideration might lead to a better response. Overusing the phrase can also create undue pressure.

What's the difference between "immediate answer" and "instant answer"?

"Immediate answer" implies a reasonably quick response within a short timeframe, while "instant answer" suggests an almost instantaneous response. The choice depends on the urgency and feasibility.

How to use "immediate answer" in a sentence?

You can use "immediate answer" when someone is looking for a quick response. For example: "The manager asked for an immediate answer regarding the project proposal", "I need an immediate answer to this question."