specific answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"specific answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an answer that is exact and precise. For example, "The teacher was looking for a specific answer to her question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One specific answer proved instructive.

The New York Times - Sports

No one can give a specific answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What we've got to talk about is what the specific answer is".

The Guardian

"I cannot give you a specific answer on a particular strike," Carter said.

The Guardian

I know you want a specific answer, Lauri, but I can't give you one.

The New York Times

We asked Vladimir Putin a question but there was no specific answer.

The New York Times

A. I've been working on this lately and I'll soon be able to give you a specific answer.

The New York Times

It will be easier to get a more specific answer by checking the plans on your state's exchange.

The New York Times

"When searching something on mobile, it's a very specific query they're looking for and a very specific answer," he said.

The New York Times

The chief justice never received a specific answer from the university's lawyer or from one representing the federal government.

The New York Times

"They work best for certain types of searches -- people doing research rather than someone seeking a specific answer or specific site," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking information, frame your questions to elicit a "specific answer". Ambiguous queries often lead to vague responses.

Common error

Avoid using "specific answer" when a general response is adequate. For instance, do not request a "specific answer" if a range or estimation suffices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "specific" modifies the noun "answer". It describes the type of answer being sought or provided. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is widely used and accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specific answer" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a detailed and precise response. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reliable sources, confirming its widespread acceptance across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and online guides. While alternatives like "precise answer" or "exact response" exist, "specific answer" remains a versatile and clear choice when emphasizing the need for or delivery of unambiguous information. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely requires a high level of detail and precision. A summary from the Ludwig AI confirms that it is acceptable and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise answer

Replaces 'specific' with 'precise', emphasizing accuracy and exactness.

explicit answer

Focuses on the answer being clearly and openly stated, leaving no room for interpretation.

definite answer

Highlights the certainty and lack of ambiguity in the response.

exact response

Substitutes both 'specific' and 'answer' with synonyms focusing on accuracy and reply.

concrete answer

Replaces 'specific' with 'concrete,' indicating a tangible and well-defined response.

clear response

Emphasizes the clarity and understandability of the response.

unequivocal answer

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or doubt in the answer.

detailed explanation

Shifts focus from a simple answer to a comprehensive explanation.

targeted reply

Focuses on the relevance and directness of the reply.

particular solution

Narrows the response to a solution for a particular problem.

FAQs

How to use "specific answer" in a sentence?

You can use "specific answer" when referring to an exact or detailed response, such as, "The teacher requested a "specific answer" to the complex question."

What can I say instead of "specific answer"?

You can use alternatives like "precise answer", "exact response", or "detailed explanation" depending on the context.

Is it better to ask for a "specific answer" or a general one?

It depends on the situation. A "specific answer" is best when you need precise information. A general answer may be sufficient for exploratory inquiries.

What's the difference between "specific answer" and "general answer"?

A "specific answer" provides detailed and precise information, while a general answer gives a broad overview without focusing on particular details.