not answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something will not be responded to or addressed. Example: "I choose to not answer that question during the interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He did not answer.

The New York Times - Sports

She would not answer.

The New Yorker

He would not answer.

The New York Times - Science

MARTINE does not answer.

The New Yorker

Let me not answer".

The Guardian

Harman did not answer.

The Guardian

Rather not answer that.

The Guardian - Sport

Grossbart did not answer.

The New Yorker

She will not answer.

The Guardian - Books

He could not answer".

The Guardian

Dyson did not answer.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not answer", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the lack of response is intentional or due to inability.

Common error

Avoid using "not answer" when the subject is simply unaware of the question. Use it only when there's a clear indication of a conscious decision to withhold a response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not answer" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the absence of a response. Ludwig AI shows examples where it's used to describe a deliberate choice to remain silent or an inability to provide an answer. This contrasts with actively answering, offering a statement, or providing information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of response to a question or inquiry. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and appears predominantly in news and media contexts. While semantically similar phrases like "decline to respond" or "remain silent" can be used as alternatives, "not answer" provides a neutral way of expressing non-responsiveness without necessarily implying a deliberate refusal. It is crucial to ensure that the context suggests intent when using the phrase, as it can be misinterpreted if the subject is simply unaware of the question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give no answer

A more direct way of stating that no response was provided.

decline to respond

This alternative explicitly states a refusal to give a response.

remain silent

This phrase indicates a complete absence of verbal response.

refuse to reply

Similar to 'decline to respond', this emphasizes a rejection of the opportunity to answer.

offer no comment

Commonly used in formal situations when a person chooses not to disclose information.

evade the question

This suggests avoiding a direct answer, often through কৌশল or diversion.

withhold a response

This implies consciously holding back an answer.

stay tight-lipped

Suggests a deliberate effort to avoid speaking or revealing information.

keep mum

An informal expression for staying silent or refusing to speak about something.

be unresponsive

This describes a lack of reaction or response, whether verbal or otherwise.

FAQs

How can I use "not answer" in a sentence?

You can use "not answer" to indicate a refusal or failure to respond to a question or request, as in, "The suspect chose to "not answer" questions during the interrogation".

What can I say instead of "not answer"?

You can use alternatives like "decline to respond", "remain silent", or "refuse to reply" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not answer"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "not answer". It functions as a verb phrase indicating the absence of a response.

What's the difference between "not answer" and "refuse to answer"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of response, "not answer" is more neutral, simply stating the absence of an answer. "Refuse to answer" implies a deliberate choice to withhold information.