indirect answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indirect answer" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a response that does not directly address the question asked. Example: "Her response was an indirect answer, leaving many questions unanswered." Alternative expressions include "evasive response" and "roundabout answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If you call for an academic boycott of say Tel Aviv University you have to ask yourself, what the consequences are of that call for the Palestinians and there's an indirect answer.

Huffington Post

Alderman [ 64] points out that the relationship between possessions to nutrition provides only an indirect answer looking at social transfer programmes in low-income countries aiming at improvement in nutrition and healthcare-seeking behaviour.

European Journal of Nutrition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Under questioning by the ABC News correspondent Connie Chung, the California congressman at times bristled and gave indirect answers, filibustered and interrupted.

The New York Times

During the trials Jesus speaks very little, mounts no defense and gives very infrequent and indirect answers to the questions of the priests, prompting an officer to slap him.

Wikipedia

This is an indirect but clear answer to your question," he said.

BBC

The goal is to extend direct measurements of cosmic-ray composition to the highest energies practical, and thereby have enough overlap with ground based indirect measurements to answer questions on cosmic-ray origin, acceleration and propagation.

Advances in Space Research

One answer is the indirect benefit that investors derive from addressing the economic risks of global warming.

The Economist

An answer would provide indirect hints about the underlying mechanisms for the development of troglomorphic features.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

To answer this question, indirect immunofluorescence double-labelling of H1x and chromogranin A was performed.

BMC Cancer

An indirect but efficient method to answer these questions is to look at the patterns of recombination (homologous and non-homologous) between different strains and members of the different phylogroups.

BMC Genomics

The NCI has a long-standing function of providing answers to critical policy questions, which can only be answered through an indirect synthesis of available information and assumptions.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "indirect answer", as it can sometimes imply a lack of transparency or a deliberate attempt to avoid the question.

Common error

Avoid using "indirect answer" when the response is simply complex or requires further explanation. Ensure the answer truly deflects or doesn't fully address the initial question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indirect answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "indirect" modifies the noun "answer". It describes a response that doesn't directly address the question, implying a lack of straightforwardness. As Ludwig AI shows, its usage ranges from news reports to scientific papers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indirect answer" describes a response that does not directly address a question, often implying a degree of evasion or the need for interpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts like news reports, scientific publications, and general discussions. Related phrases include "evasive response" and "roundabout response". When using this phrase, consider your audience and whether the indirectness could be misconstrued. Being mindful of the nuances and potential implications ensures its appropriate and effective use in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evasive response

Focuses on the avoidance aspect of the answer.

roundabout response

Highlights the circuitous nature of the answer.

oblique reply

Emphasizes the indirectness and subtlety of the answer.

tangential answer

Indicates the answer is only loosely related to the question.

noncommittal response

Stresses the lack of a firm commitment in the answer.

imprecise reply

Highlights the lack of clarity or exactness in the answer.

hedged answer

Indicates the answer is qualified or limited in some way.

vague response

Emphasizes the lack of detail and clarity.

dodging the question

Highlights the act of avoiding a direct response.

beating around the bush

Indicates avoiding the topic.

FAQs

How to use "indirect answer" in a sentence?

You can use "indirect answer" to describe a response that doesn't directly address the question. For example: "The politician gave an "indirect answer", avoiding a clear commitment."

What can I say instead of "indirect answer"?

You can use alternatives like "evasive response", "roundabout response", or "oblique reply" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "indirect answer" and "direct answer"?

An "indirect answer" implies the response doesn't explicitly address the question, requiring inference or interpretation. A "direct answer" is a straightforward, unambiguous response to the question.

When is it appropriate to give an "indirect answer"?

An "indirect answer" might be appropriate when a direct response could be harmful, reveal sensitive information, or when the question requires a more nuanced or complex explanation than a simple "yes" or "no".