textbook answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "textbook answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a response that is standard, expected, or ideal, often found in educational materials. Example: "When asked about the causes of World War II, she gave a textbook answer that covered all the major points."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The textbook answer is to push policies that end the divide between hard-to-fire "insiders" and typically young "outsiders" on precarious short-term contracts.

The New York Times

But I realized how out of touch I was: they were married people, people who had family problems, and all I had for them was a textbook answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

And during at least the first two or three years, MBAs are poor decision-makers; they want to use a textbook answer or hire a consultant.

Harvard Business Review

Since the Chomskian revolution, the textbook answer to this question has been: to possess a generative grammar that exclusively licenses certain syntactic structures.

Cornell University

THE LIMITS OF MONETARY POLICY The textbook answer to recessions is simple: When the economy suffers from high unemployment and reduced capacity utilization, the central bank can cut interest rates and stimulate the demand for goods and services.

The New York Times

Many, though, form a ring like Saturn's at a distance of 36,000km, the place at which an object takes 24 hours to orbit the Earth and thus hovers continuously over the same point of the planet.Viewed this way, the Earth is quite a lot larger than the traditional textbook answer.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Make sure that everyone brings the textbook answers to life with examples and practices from our world.

University of California, Berkeley

Advisory board members says that teachers have learned to recognize, and reward, students who find solutions to problems rather than merely reciting textbook answers.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the responses in the latter group didn't match the kind of textbook answers that the test was looking for in terms of knowledge or IQ.

The Guardian

But from personal experience I now know they're much more interested in hearing the real answers to the questions, not the textbook answers you think you should give.

The Guardian

This doesn't mean you can't get help—for example, we develop people management skills with the help of an online business school program but even there, we add workshops my department designs and our managers teach to make sure that everyone brings the textbook answers to life with examples and practices from our world.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "textbook answer" when you want to indicate that a response is standard, expected, or comes directly from established knowledge or theory. It's useful for showing a fundamental understanding of a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "textbook answer" as the only response, especially in situations requiring critical thinking or nuanced understanding. Show that you can apply knowledge beyond the basic definition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "textbook answer" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the nature or quality of an answer, indicating that it's derived from standard, educational sources. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from academic explanations to real-world problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "textbook answer" signifies a response that is standard, expected, and derived from established educational resources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. While it effectively conveys a fundamental understanding of a topic, relying solely on it may indicate a lack of deeper analysis. Related alternatives include "standard response" and "typical reply". To avoid over-reliance, integrate critical thinking and nuanced understanding beyond the basic definitions. Ludwig's analysis underscores the importance of balancing foundational knowledge with original insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected answer

Focuses on the anticipation or predictability of the response.

standard response

Focuses on the conventional or typical nature of the reply.

typical reply

Emphasizes the commonness and predictability of the answer.

classic solution

Highlights the traditional and well-established nature of the solution.

conventional answer

Stresses adherence to accepted norms and practices.

prescribed response

Indicates a response that is dictated or recommended by a specific authority or guideline.

formulaic answer

Suggests a rote or predictable response lacking originality.

rote answer

Implies a memorized response without deep understanding.

pat answer

Conveys a sense of a superficial or dismissive response.

stock answer

Indicates a common or readily available response.

FAQs

What does "textbook answer" mean?

A "textbook answer" refers to a response that is standard, expected, or ideal, often derived directly from educational materials or established knowledge. It typically represents a fundamental understanding of a subject.

How can I use "textbook answer" in a sentence?

You might say, "When asked about the causes of the Civil War, he provided a textbook answer that covered the major economic and social factors" or "The solution to this problem is a textbook answer: apply the basic principles of supply and demand."

What are some alternatives to "textbook answer"?

You can use alternatives like "standard response", "typical reply", or "classic solution" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use a "textbook answer"?

It's appropriate when you need to demonstrate a basic understanding of a topic or provide a foundational explanation. However, avoid relying solely on "textbook answers" when more critical thinking is required.