supply an answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supply an answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to provide a response or solution to a question or problem. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, please supply an answer to the following question: What is the budget for this initiative?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He did not supply an answer, beyond saying it should be more than zero, and less than would cause system-wide collapse.

The Economist

The box asks: "How do you know the PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE AND TIME different foods need?" and doesn't supply an answer, which feels quite undermine-y.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He might not have been able to supply an answer to a question about just where he was, but he acted, so to speak, as if he knew, and could take account of, its corners and sharp edges.

The New Yorker

These questions, which need only be posed rhetorically, supply an answer to the larger question: Would you as a reader rather have the information yourself or trust someone else to hang on to it for you?

The New York Times

And with each day fighters posed the same question to which they could not supply an answer: why was it that those fighting on the Gaddafi side would not give up?

The Guardian

Asked whether it was true that he had drafted two versions of his Daily Telegraph column – one for leave, the other for remain – on the night of his big decision, suggesting his stance on this most fateful issue was driven by immediate career calculus rather than long-held principle, he failed to supply an answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Here, Curzon supplies an answer.

The New York Times

Balram supplies an answer: servitude.

The Guardian - Books

His protozoan studies supplied an answer.

The New Yorker

What should she do now?' " Jan Versweyveld supplied an answer: "She should pee on the table".

The New Yorker

Dr. Todd A. Blackledge has supplied an answer in the case of a complex behavioral trait, web spinning by spiders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supply an answer" when you want to emphasize a formal or official provision of a response, especially in situations where accuracy and completeness are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "supply an answer" in casual conversations. Opt for more natural alternatives like "give an answer" or "provide a response" to maintain a relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supply an answer" functions as a verbal phrase, where "supply" acts as the verb and "an answer" is the direct object. It signifies the action of furnishing or providing a solution or response. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in contexts requiring a direct response to a question or need.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supply an answer" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase that functions to elicit or offer a solution or response. Ludwig AI indicates it is used in neutral to formal contexts, frequently appearing in News & Media and Science. While acceptable, it is advisable to consider the context and opt for more common alternatives like "provide an answer" or "give an answer" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a response

Focuses on offering a reaction or reply, slightly more general than providing a direct solution.

give an answer

A more common and direct way of saying "supply an answer".

offer a solution

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect of providing an answer.

furnish a response

More formal and emphasizes providing something needed or requested.

proffer an answer

More formal and implies offering an answer that may or may not be welcome.

deliver a reply

Focuses on the act of conveying a response, often in a formal setting.

present a solution

Highlights the act of introducing a resolution or fix.

put forward a response

Implies suggesting an answer for consideration.

offer insight

Suggests providing a deeper understanding or perspective.

shed light on

Implies providing clarification or explanation to a complex matter.

FAQs

What is a less formal alternative to "supply an answer"?

Alternatives to "supply an answer" include "give an answer" or "provide a response". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "supply an answer" differ from "provide an answer"?

"Supply an answer" often carries a slightly more formal tone than "provide an answer", suggesting a more official or required response.

When is it appropriate to use "supply an answer"?

Use "supply an answer" in situations where a formal or official response is expected, such as in legal, business, or academic contexts.

Can I use "supply with an answer" instead of "supply an answer"?

While grammatically possible, "supply with an answer" is less common and may sound awkward. It is generally better to use "supply an answer".