in order to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in order to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting to explain why you are going to answer a question or perform a task. For example, "I am researching this topic in order to answer the questions posed in the essay."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In order to answer, let me start from the beginning.

The Guardian

In order to answer the savagery of his enemies, he must become a savage himself.

The New York Times

In order to answer this question, we should consider the following: First, demographics.

The Guardian - Business

In order to answer that, he sent Sir Menzies Campbell away to conduct a review.

The Guardian - Opinion

"While in her car, Neda had pulled over in order to answer her mum's call," the victim's father told Isna.

The Guardian

In order to answer these questions, we need to look back at the philosophical tradition that Kierkegaard inherited.

The Guardian - Opinion

In order to answer that question, the Justices had to ask another question: What is social media?

The New Yorker

In order to answer that, a multidisciplinary approach is needed.

Science Magazine

In order to answer research questions, descriptive statistics were calculated.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Further investigation is warranted in order to answer these questions.

IZA Journal of Migration

In order to answer these questions, there were defined seven test groups.

Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in order to answer", ensure that the subsequent explanation clearly outlines the steps or reasoning involved in providing the answer. This helps maintain clarity and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in order to answer" without a clear connection to the question or problem being addressed. Ensure the answer directly and relevantly responds to the initial prompt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order to answer" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It introduces a clause that explains the reason or intention behind an action, specifically the action of answering a question or addressing a problem. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in order to answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase across a multitude of contexts, as validated by Ludwig. It serves as an adverbial phrase of purpose, effectively introducing explanations and justifications for subsequent responses. Predominantly featured in scientific and journalistic domains, it maintains a neutral register suitable for versatile application. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to ensure a direct and relevant connection between the phrase and the ensuing answer. Alternatives such as "with the aim of answering" or "to provide an answer" can be considered for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the aim of answering

Synonymous but uses "aim" instead of "order", adding an extra word.

with the purpose of answering

Emphasizes the intent behind answering, adding extra words.

for the purpose of a response

Focuses on the intent of the action as a response.

to give a response

Focuses on the action of responding, omitting the element of intent.

to provide an answer

Highlights the action of giving an answer, but lacks specific goal.

by way of response

Indicates a method or manner of replying, rather than the goal.

as an answer

Highlights the content of the answer, not the purpose of providing it.

as a means to answering

Focuses on the method of answering, rather than the direct intention.

to respond by

Highlights the action of responding, but lacks specific goal.

in response to

Indicates a direct reaction to something, omitting the element of intention or purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "in order to answer" to introduce an explanation or a series of steps that will lead to providing an answer to a question. For example, "In order to answer this question, we need to consider several factors."

What phrases are similar to "in order to answer"?

Similar phrases include "with the aim of answering", "to provide an answer", or "for the purpose of a response" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "in order to answer"?

No, it's not always necessary. You can often provide an answer directly without explicitly stating your purpose. However, "in order to answer" is useful when you want to emphasize the process or reasoning behind your response.

What is the difference between "in order to answer" and "to answer"?

"In order to answer" emphasizes the purpose or intention behind providing an answer, while "to answer" simply indicates the action of providing a response. The former is more explanatory, while the latter is more direct.