in answer to

USAGE SUMMARY

"in answer to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you are providing a response to a question or point someone has made. For example: "In answer to your question, the answer is no."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In answer to his….

The New Yorker

In answer to some questions.

The Guardian - Tech

In answer to that question this occurred.

Cornell University

In answer to this question, this paper reports two studies.

Landscape and Urban Planning

"Pepper spray," he whispers in answer to my raised eyebrows.

The New York Times

"Why Tito?" Zubizarreta asked in answer to reporters' questions.

The New York Times - Sports

"Yes" was all he said, in answer to both questions.

The New Yorker

Behind that, Queta cackled in answer to a question.

The New Yorker

Author compiled the list in answer to Pres.

The New Yorker

In answer to the first question, we still don't know.

The New York Times

"Freud," she says in answer to who founded psychoanalysis.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing. While "in answer to" is perfectly acceptable, using alternatives like "in response to" or "answering" can make your writing more dynamic and engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "in answer to" when the question or statement being addressed is unclear or has not been explicitly mentioned. This can lead to confusion and require readers to guess the context, diminishing the effectiveness of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in answer to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a response or reply. It serves to connect a question or statement to its corresponding answer. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it is commonly used to indicate that the subsequent information is directly related to a previous inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in answer to" is a grammatically sound and very common way to introduce a response or reply to a question or statement. Ludwig examples show its wide usage in contexts ranging from News & Media to Academia and Science. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for various types of communication. Consider using it to clearly signal that you are addressing a specific point, and remember to ensure the context remains clear for your audience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in response to

Indicates a reaction or reply, similar to "in answer to", but can sometimes imply a more formal or considered reaction.

as a reply to

Directly indicates that what follows is a response. Highlights the act of replying.

responding to

Implies a reaction to something, either an action or a question. It's functionally very close to "in answer to".

answering

A more direct way of indicating you are providing an answer. Less formal and immediate.

to address

Signifies that you are dealing with or focusing on a particular issue or question, providing a resolution or answer. More formal and often used in business.

with regard to

Similar to "regarding", adding a layer of formality and precision.

regarding

Used to introduce the subject about which you are providing information. It's a transition into an explanation or response.

concerning

Indicates the topic about which one is speaking or writing. Similar in use to 'regarding'.

in connection with

Specifies that what follows is related to a certain topic or event, implying a link or response.

pertaining to

A formal way of saying something is about or related to a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "in answer to" in a sentence?

You can use "in answer to" to introduce a response to a question or statement. For example, "In answer to your query, the meeting has been rescheduled".

What phrases are similar to "in answer to"?

Alternatives include "in response to", "as a reply to", or simply "answering", depending on the context.

Is "in answer to" formal or informal?

"In answer to" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. More informal options include directly answering or "responding to".

Can I use "in answer to" at the beginning of a paragraph?

Yes, using "in answer to" at the beginning of a paragraph is acceptable, especially when the paragraph serves as a direct reply to a previously posed question or topic.