legitimate answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"legitimate answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a response that is considered truthful or logical. For example: "The teacher was looking for a legitimate answer to the question, so she was pleased when the student gave one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Mr. Sharon's legitimate answer: we will find our own security, which may involve unpopular decisions.

The New York Times

Somehow, the filmmaker never gets around to offering the only legitimate answer -- a resounding "yes".

The New York Times

As long as he could get away with it, espionage was a legitimate answer to his troubles.

The Guardian

He was asked dozens of times Tuesday and Wednesday how he decided between them, and Ryan had yet to offer a legitimate answer.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have been getting tons of messages asking where to get circle lenses, so this is finally a legitimate answer for you," she said in a recent video.

The New York Times

When the team's false starts were mentioned, he said: "That's why I don't like to answer those questions or give a legitimate answer because we just don't know.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

However, the discussion as to who may be on this list and why such a requirement has been made has led to legitimate questions, to which there may be legitimate answers, as to why it cannot be published and what is in the public interest in this matter".

Independent

The Huffington Post recently chatted with Andy Juett, producer of T.J. Miller's "Denver" music video that premiered at Red Rocks in July and one of the rotating stand-up comic hosts at The Grapes of Rad for confusing answers about so many things and also some legitimate answers about the show.

Huffington Post

As is the case with all self-reported surveys, it is possible that participants did not provide legitimate answers [ 9].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

It's quite legitimate to answer, well, we wouldn't be here now, because we wouldn't have started from there then.

The Guardian

Nearly every hour of every day holds at least one legitimate negative answer.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "legitimate answer" when you want to emphasize that a response is not only correct but also ethically and legally sound.

Common error

Avoid using "legitimate answer" in very casual conversations. In informal settings, simpler words like "good answer" or "right response" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "legitimate" modifies the noun "answer". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating that it adheres to standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legitimate answer" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a response that is valid, justifiable, and often ethically sound. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability in various contexts. It is commonly found in news, media, and wiki sources, indicating its widespread acceptance. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in very informal settings where simpler terms might be more appropriate. Semantically related phrases include "valid response", "justifiable reply", and "acceptable solution", providing alternative ways to convey a similar meaning with subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid response

Replaces "legitimate" with "valid", emphasizing the correctness and acceptability of the response.

justifiable reply

Uses "justifiable" and "reply" for a more formal tone, indicating the response is reasonable and can be defended.

acceptable solution

Focuses on the solution aspect of the answer, implying it meets the required standards or criteria.

reasonable explanation

Emphasizes the reasoning behind the answer, suggesting it is logical and well-founded.

sound justification

Highlights the strength and validity of the reasoning provided in the answer.

plausible argument

Shifts the focus to an argument, suggesting a structured and believable case is being made in response.

credible defense

Implies the answer serves to protect or justify a position, emphasizing its trustworthiness.

satisfactory resolution

Indicates the answer effectively resolves a problem or query, meeting expectations.

well-founded response

Stresses that the response is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

authentic explanation

Focuses on the genuineness and reliability of the explanation given as an answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "legitimate answer" to describe a response that is valid, justifiable, or acceptable. For example: "The lawyer sought a "legitimate answer" from the witness to strengthen the case."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate answer"?

Alternatives to "legitimate answer" include "valid response", "justifiable reply", or "acceptable solution", depending on the context.

Is "legitimate answer" formal or informal?

"Legitimate answer" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, such as news articles, business reports, or academic papers. In very casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be preferred.

What makes an answer "legitimate"?

A "legitimate answer" is one that is considered truthful, logical, and ethically sound. It is based on facts or valid reasoning and is not intended to deceive or mislead.