let me answer that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let me answer that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are about to provide a response to a question or topic that has been raised. Example: "In response to your question about the project timeline, let me answer that by saying we are on track to meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"From what we could decipher, one squeeze signified 'agree,' two squeezes were 'disagree,' and three were 'shut up and let me answer that one.'" Based on Mr. Romney's performance, in which he at times disagreed with his running mate Paul Ryan and agreed with President Obama, Dr. Logsdon believes that Mrs. Romney's presence by her husband's side at the debates "would be of little use".

The New Yorker

Let me answer that: none.

Huffington Post

Let me answer that question for you.

Huffington Post

"Let me say, let me answer that question with a non-answer but a bigger point.

Los Angeles Times

Well, let me answer that question by asking you a question.

Huffington Post

BLAGOJEVICH: Well, let me answer that, and let me also let you and your listeners know, your viewers know, I'm restricted by a court order.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But, before going into that, let me answer a question that some of you may have on your mind: Why does my story matter?

Huffington Post

But first, let me answer the big question that is surely on your mind: what is a Stanford student doing at Berkeley?

TechCrunch

"Let me answer the question that you asked earlier: What would be the three areas that you would make some reductions and people would feel some pain," he said.

Huffington Post

Let me answer the first part of that question.

The New Yorker

And, secondly, should Israel stop the sale of radar systems to China? A. Let me answer the second question first because that's a much clearer one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal settings, consider alternatives like "allow me to respond" for a more polished tone.

Common error

Avoid using "let me answer that" in casual conversations where a simple, direct response is more appropriate. Overusing it can sound stilted or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let me answer that" functions as a discourse marker, signaling the speaker's intention to directly address and respond to a question or statement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let me answer that" is a useful phrase for signaling your intention to respond to a question or statement. As Ludwig AI shows, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts, although it can also be used in more formal business settings. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "allow me to respond" or "I'll take that question" depending on the context and your desired level of formality. Remember to choose the most appropriate phrase to communicate your message effectively and maintain a natural flow in your conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me address that question

Slightly more formal, emphasizing the act of dealing with a question.

allow me to respond to that

Formal alternative indicating permission to answer.

I'd like to address that

Indicates a desire to deal with the point raised.

I will respond to that point

A formal statement of intent to reply.

I'll take that question

Common in Q&A sessions, showing willingness to answer.

permit me to respond

Very formal and polite request to answer.

if I may answer that

Polite and slightly hesitant way to offer an answer.

here's my response

Direct and straightforward way to introduce an answer.

I can elaborate on that

Suggests providing more detail in response.

let me clarify this

Shifts focus towards providing clarity, rather than direct answering.

FAQs

How can I use "let me answer that" in a sentence?

You can use "let me answer that" to signal you are about to respond to a question. For example, "You asked about the budget – "let me answer that" by outlining our key priorities".

What are some alternatives to "let me answer that"?

Alternatives include "allow me to respond", "I'd like to address that", or "I'll take that question", depending on the context.

Is "let me answer that question" more correct than "let me answer that"?

Both are correct, but "let me answer that" is more concise. Adding "question" is redundant if it's clear from context that you're referring to a question.

In what situations is "let me answer that" most appropriate?

"Let me answer that" is appropriate in situations where you want to formally acknowledge a question before providing a response, often in presentations, debates, or interviews.