perfunctory responses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perfunctory responses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe replies that are done as a routine or without genuine interest or effort. Example: "The customer service representative provided perfunctory responses to my inquiries, making it clear they were not engaged in the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

During the question-and-answer period, he gave perfunctory responses to a series of questions, and seemed most engaged when the conversation turned to domestic policy.

The New Yorker

In any case, few of the defendants were given a chance to speak beyond perfunctory responses to questions, and neither were most of their lawyers.

The New York Times

In December, a community group, the Turtle Bay Association, received only perfunctory responses to two letters it sent to the Buildings Department raising questions about the zoning, as well as balconies and affordable housing.

The New York Times

In February 2003, a Suffolk County grand jury that had been investigating sexual abuse by priests in Long Island churches dating back some three decades issued a 180-page report describing its findings in often graphic and painful detail as well as terse, and seemingly perfunctory responses from the diocese.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He received a perfunctory response from an Air Force aide.

The New York Times - Books

However, Ms Castro said that Mr Cohen's "perfunctory" response shows that he has not investigated the questions in any depth.

Independent

Rather than make the usual, perfunctory response, Judge Hudson's five-page decision traced the history of the grand jury back through Colonial law to ancient Athens and forward again to Ethelred II, the English king who ruled from 978 to 1016.

The New York Times

We have made our objections known to Toshiba but so far the company has provided a wholly inadequate and perfunctory response.

Huffington Post

But continued repetition of the same tapping at regular intervals elicits a briefer and more perfunctory withdrawal response.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But despite an international call for better patient information, "Innocents" illustrates just how perfunctory the response can be.

The New York Times - Arts

Offering to suggest a book based on one's last five reads, he was impressive in his range, perfunctory in his responses, and quick on the draw.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfunctory responses" when you want to convey that someone is answering questions or addressing issues in a routine manner, without genuine interest or effort. This phrase is particularly effective in formal contexts where a lack of engagement is notable or concerning.

Common error

Avoid using "perfunctory responses" in casual conversations. The phrase carries a formal tone and can sound overly critical or detached in informal settings. Opt for simpler, more direct language to express disinterest or lack of effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfunctory responses" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "perfunctory" modifies the noun "responses". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and often used to describe answers lacking genuine interest or effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perfunctory responses" describes replies given in a routine or superficial manner, lacking genuine interest or effort. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it is frequently found in News & Media and carries a neutral to formal tone. When you use it, remember it may imply criticism due the lack of engagement or effort. Related alternatives such as ""cursory replies"" or ""superficial answers"" can be used based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cursory replies

Focuses on the brevity and lack of thoroughness in the responses.

superficial answers

Highlights the lack of depth and substance in the answers provided.

inattentive replies

Emphasizes the lack of focus and engagement in the responses.

mechanical answers

Suggests the responses were given without thought or feeling, like a machine.

routine replies

Implies the responses were part of a standard procedure and lacked originality.

shallow answers

Similar to superficial, but emphasizes the lack of intellectual depth.

lackluster responses

Highlights the lack of enthusiasm or energy in the replies.

apathetic replies

Focuses on the indifference or lack of concern conveyed in the responses.

unenthusiastic answers

Directly points out the lack of eagerness or excitement in the answers.

half-hearted responses

Indicates a lack of commitment or sincerity in the replies.

FAQs

How can I use "perfunctory responses" in a sentence?

You can use "perfunctory responses" to describe replies that lack depth or sincerity. For example: "The politician gave "perfunctory responses" to questions about the scandal, avoiding any real commitment."

What can I say instead of "perfunctory responses"?

Alternatives to "perfunctory responses" include "cursory replies", "superficial answers", or "inattentive replies". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "perfunctory" mean on its own?

The word "perfunctory" alone means done routinely and with little interest or care. Understanding this helps clarify that "perfunctory responses" are answers given without much thought or engagement.

Is it appropriate to use "perfunctory responses" in a positive context?

No, "perfunctory responses" generally carries a negative connotation. It implies a lack of genuine engagement or effort, so it is best used to describe situations where someone's replies are inadequate or dismissive.