sufficient answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"sufficient answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you believe the response to a question has provided a satisfactory level of information or detail. For example, "After asking my professor for an explanation of the concept, I received a sufficient answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Helping" is not a sufficient answer.

The New Yorker

But this is not a sufficient answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Shares... "Sufficient answer to all; Shares.

The Guardian - Books

This seemed to him an entirely sufficient answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, "in today's world, people realize that that is just not a sufficient answer".

The Guardian

He breaks off "I really, really can't give you a sufficient answer".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Neither," she added, "are sufficient answers in themselves".

The New York Times

When questions were put to county leaders at civic meetings, he said he came away without sufficient answers.

The New York Times

Renewed determination, a body outline refashioned by chemotherapy, a greater acceptance of suffering, and a wiser tactical approach — these were not sufficient answers for some.

The New Yorker

The Affordable Care Act will be upheld if at least one of these justices is satisfied that the briefs, the arguments, and his own judicial perspective provide sufficient answers to the questions.

The New York Times

Prior research either lacks significant findings or does not provide sufficient answers.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating an answer, consider the specific context and requirements. A "sufficient answer" in one situation might be inadequate in another. Ensure the response addresses all key aspects of the question or problem.

Common error

Avoid accepting vague or overly general responses as a "sufficient answer". Probe for specific details and evidence to ensure the response is truly informative and relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficient answer" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "sufficient" modifies the noun "answer". It indicates that the answer provided meets a certain threshold of adequacy or satisfactoriness. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides various examples where the phrase is used to evaluate the quality of a response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sufficient answer" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that a response adequately addresses a question or concern. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The analysis reveals that while alternative phrases like "adequate response" or "satisfactory explanation" exist, "sufficient answer" maintains its relevance due to its neutral tone and broad applicability. Remember to consider the context and specific requirements when evaluating an answer's sufficiency, and avoid accepting vague responses. Overall, understanding the nuances of "sufficient answer" can enhance clarity and precision in both writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate response

Replaces 'answer' with 'response', implying a similar level of satisfactoriness.

satisfactory explanation

Substitutes 'answer' with 'explanation', focusing on the clarity and completeness of the response.

acceptable solution

Changes the focus to a 'solution', implying that the answer resolves a problem or question effectively.

convincing reply

Highlights the persuasiveness of the answer, suggesting it is believable and well-supported.

thorough response

Emphasizes the depth and completeness of the answer, indicating it covers all relevant aspects.

comprehensive explanation

Similar to 'thorough response' but focuses specifically on the explanatory nature of the answer.

reasonable answer

Indicates the answer is logical and justifiable, based on sound reasoning.

serviceable answer

Suggests that the answer is functional and meets the basic requirements, though it may not be exceptional.

valid response

Emphasizes that the answer is correct and based on accurate information.

definitive resolution

Highlights the conclusiveness of the answer, implying that it settles the matter definitively.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "sufficient answer" in a sentence?

You can use "sufficient answer" to indicate that a response adequately addresses a question or concern. For example, "The explanation provided was a "sufficient answer" to my query about the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "sufficient answer"?

Alternatives include "adequate response", "satisfactory explanation", or "acceptable solution" depending on the context.

When is an answer considered "sufficient"?

An answer is considered "sufficient" when it provides the necessary information or clarification to resolve a question or address a concern to a satisfactory degree. The level of detail required for a "sufficient answer" varies depending on the context and the needs of the recipient.

Is there a difference between a "sufficient answer" and a "complete answer"?

Yes, a "sufficient answer" provides enough information to satisfy the immediate need, while a "complete answer" may offer exhaustive detail. A "sufficient answer" is adequate for the purpose, but a complete answer may include extra, non-essential details.