in answer to that

USAGE SUMMARY

"in answer to that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are responding to an earlier statement or question asked. For example, "Do you think the project was a success?" "In answer to that, I think it was a great success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Three broad approaches have been proposed in answer to that question, each intuitively reasonable: 1.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As if in answer to that warning came the bus bomb.

The Economist

In answer to that conundrum, the sheeted observer sticks around while years of habitation, or empty desolation, roll by.

The New Yorker

Bearing that in mind, and in answer to that Mumfords question: well, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

The Guardian - Music

And in answer to that pointed question, McIlroy returned a three-under par 68 for a 54-hole total of 199, 14-under par.

The Guardian - Sport

By the way, in answer to that one girlfriend who keeps saying she doesn't want to wear "the black thing," you don't have to wear a chador; not everyone does.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But there's no in-house answer to that curdled James Brown yelp, which he uses again, like a good-luck charm, on "Hessa" and "Cholera".

The New York Times - Arts

Any other career change would have been immediately reflected in my answer to that question.

Huffington Post

Because you came into this world through creation, in the answer to that question lies your divine-inspired purpose.

Huffington Post

This paper provides an important contribution in the answer to that question.

eLife

Wilder's next novel, "Heaven's My Destination," was in part an answer to that challenge.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in answer to that", ensure a clear connection exists between the phrase and the question or statement it addresses. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in answer to that" when you're merely transitioning to a related but different topic. This phrase is specifically for direct responses, not tangential shifts in conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in answer to that" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a direct response to a question, statement, or situation. It signals that what follows is a reply or clarification related to something previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in answer to that" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to introduce a direct response. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, serving to connect a statement with its preceding question or prompt. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the context and aim for clarity in connecting the phrase to its reference. For more formal settings, consider "in response to that" as an alternative. Overall, the phrase is a useful tool for providing direct and pertinent responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in response to that

This alternative directly replaces "answer" with "response", emphasizing the reactive nature of the statement.

as an answer to that

This is a more explicit and slightly more formal version of the original phrase, adding 'as'.

to address that

This suggests a more direct engagement and intention to deal with the issue raised in the previous statement.

regarding that

This phrase is more general, indicating a connection or relevance to the previous statement without explicitly being an answer.

concerning that

Similar to "regarding that", this indicates the topic is about the prior statement, but less directly an answer.

with respect to that

This phrase adds a level of formality and respect to the connection with the previous statement.

in connection with that

This phrase suggests a link or association to the previous statement.

in consideration of that

This phrase implies that the previous statement is being taken into account, but might not be a direct answer.

on the subject of that

This indicates that the response will focus on the topic previously mentioned.

that being said

This phrase acts as a transition, often introducing a contrasting or qualifying point following the previous statement.

FAQs

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

Use "in answer to that" to directly respond to a question or statement, like: "You asked about project delays; "in answer to that", they were due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "in answer to that"?

Alternatives include "in response to that", "regarding that", or "with respect to that", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "in answer to that" formal or informal?

"In answer to that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings.

What's the difference between "in answer to that" and "in regard to that"?

"In answer to that" implies a direct response, whereas "in regard to that" simply means relating to the topic without necessarily being a direct reply.