requests an answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "requests an answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is seeking a response or reply to a question or inquiry. Example: "The email clearly requests an answer by the end of the week to ensure timely decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The function that requests an answer to a question based on the characteristics of the nested loop will promote an understanding of the relationships between the implementation and behavior of a nested loop.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But, at the same time, firmly requesting an answer like this makes it difficult for them to hedge or prevaricate.

The Guardian

Incidental Intelligence: The American War Correspondents Association, a group of World War II chaps who have their headquarters on West 54 St., got a letter from an East Side lady requesting an answer to several rather fine-point questions about the American Revolution.

The New Yorker

By John Squire and Geoffrey T. Hellman The New Yorker, October 14, 1950 P. 25 Incidental Intelligence: The American War Correspondents Association, a group of World War II chaps who have their headquarters on West 54 St., got a letter from an East Side lady requesting an answer to several rather fine-point questions about the American Revolution.

The New Yorker

In this case it appears that the asker is requesting an answer that highlights factors that distinguish the alcoholism of the person to whom the question is addressed from that of the others in the group.

SEP

But in the context of purposive dialogue, it is essential to consider how a dialogue agent might arrive at the intention to convey certain ideas, such as episodic, instructional or descriptive information, a request, an acknowledgment and/or acceptance of a request, an answer to a question, an argument in support of a conclusion, etc.

SEP

In May 1980, the state Assembly Transportation Committee approved a resolution that requested an answer from the governor at the time, Jerry Brown, and Caltrans as to why certain projects, including SR 76, had not been started.

Wikipedia

The request for an answer was rhetorical.

The Guardian

(Ms. McCaskill's office did not respond to a request for an answer to the N.F.I.B.'s question).

The New York Times

A request for an answer to your question, dear reader, brought a response from Jeff Maerov, senior vice president and group creative director at DraftFCB.

The New York Times

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has not said whether he will schedule the measure for a vote, and his office did not respond to an e-mail request for an answer on Wednesday morning.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "requests an answer" when you want to emphasize the act of asking and the expectation of a response.

Common error

Avoid using "requests an answer" in vague contexts. Always make sure it's clear what question needs answering and why it's being requested.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requests an answer" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of seeking a response. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often used in formal contexts to express the need for a reply or clarification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "requests an answer" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English. Ludwig indicates that it is used to formally seek a response or clarification. While it is not as common as simpler alternatives, it effectively conveys the need for an answer, especially in professional or formal contexts. The phrase is frequently found in science, news, and formal business communications, reflecting its use in situations where clear and direct communication is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires an answer

Indicates a need or necessity for the answer.

seeks a reply

Emphasizes the act of actively looking for a response.

demands a response

Highlights the urgency or insistence in getting an answer.

asks for clarification

Focuses on seeking a clearer understanding.

desires a response

Suggests a wish or strong feeling of wanting an answer.

inquires about a solution

Suggests the question is aimed to resolve an issue.

expects an explanation

Indicates an anticipation for a detailed account.

awaits a reply

Highlights a state of waiting for the answer.

solicits feedback

Focuses on seeking opinions or evaluations.

is in search of a solution

Emphasizes the active search for a resolution or answer.

FAQs

How can I use "requests an answer" in a sentence?

You can use "requests an answer" to indicate that someone is seeking a response to a question or inquiry. For example, "The email clearly "requests an answer" by the end of the week to ensure timely decision-making."

What are some alternatives to "requests an answer"?

You can use alternatives like "seeks a reply", "demands a response", or "asks for clarification" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "requests an answer" or "requires an answer"?

Both ""requests an answer"" and "requires an answer" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Requests" is more polite, while "requires" implies a necessity or obligation.

What is the difference between "requests an answer" and "expects an answer"?

"Requests an answer" indicates the act of asking, while "expects an answer" implies an anticipation or assumption that a response will be provided. The first focuses on the action of the asker, the second on their expectation.