receive an answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"receive an answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expecting a response to a question or inquiry. Example sentence: I asked my professor a question and I am expecting to receive an answer soon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think he should receive an answer.

Cornell University

Rayner insisted that every letter should receive an answer.

The Guardian

He says he has yet to receive an answer.

The New York Times

We will add an update when we receive an answer.

The Washington Post

Fifteen months later, Greek officials say they have yet to receive an answer to their request.

The Guardian - Arts

You should receive an answer if you are awarded any money by August.

Stanford University

You will generally receive an answer within a few business days.

Yale University

Visas can be obtained under other programs, but an enormous backlog of interpreters still waits to receive an answer.

The New York Times

Ouseley said complaints are now investigated and dealt with more quickly, and people do receive an answer.

The Guardian - Sport

He'll be doing an exciting live-drawing Q&A session, where your questions will receive an answer in pictorial form!

The Guardian

Jelly will alert you when you receive an answer or if someone "likes" an answer you supplied.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "receive an answer" is generally acceptable, alternatives like "get a response" might be more appropriate for informal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "receive an answer" in a way that obscures who provided the answer. Always ensure the subject receiving the answer is clearly identified, and the source of the answer is evident from context or explicitly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "receive an answer" functions as a verbal phrase, where "receive" is the main verb and "an answer" is the direct object. This phrase indicates the action of getting a response to a question, request, or inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "receive an answer" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes the act of getting a response or reply to a question or request. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalent usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and scientific publications. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for formal communication, more casual alternatives might be preferred in informal settings. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is providing the answer. Overall, "receive an answer" is a reliable and effective way to convey the concept of getting a response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be given an answer

Changes the sentence structure to passive voice while keeping the same meaning.

get a response

Replaces "receive" with "get", offering a more informal synonym.

obtain a reply

Substitutes "receive" with "obtain" and "answer" with "reply", indicating a more formal tone.

hear back

Uses a phrasal verb to convey the idea of getting a response, suitable for less formal situations.

secure a response

Replaces "receive" with "secure", implying effort was needed to get the answer.

acquire an answer

Substitutes "receive" with "acquire", suggesting formal acquisition of the answer.

get feedback

Implies receiving a more detailed response than a simple answer.

be informed

Shifts the focus to the state of being informed, rather than the act of receiving.

get a solution

Implies getting a resolution to a problem, not just any response.

find an explanation

Focuses on discovering the reason or cause behind something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "receive an answer"?

You can use alternatives like "get a response", "obtain a reply", or "hear back" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "receive to answer"?

No, the correct phrase is "receive an answer". The preposition "to" is not needed and would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

How long should I wait to "receive an answer" before following up?

The appropriate waiting time varies depending on the context. For job applications, 2-3 weeks is typical. For general inquiries, a week may be sufficient. Always consider the sender's instructions or any stated timelines.

What does it mean to "receive an answer in pictorial form"?

This means the answer is provided through images, drawings, or other visual representations rather than through text or speech. For example, you might "receive an answer in pictorial form" during a live-drawing Q&A session.