the answer came back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the answer came back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response or reply that has been received after a question or inquiry was made. Example: "After waiting for several days, the answer came back from the committee regarding my application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The answer came back: "No perception".

Independent

The answer came back clearly.

The Guardian

And the answer came back: "Complete invention!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Almost always the answer came back education".

The New York Times

The answer came back quickly: extremely well.

The New York Times - Arts

Quick as a flash, the answer came back: De Santis.

The Guardian - Travel

"No problem," the answer came back a week later.

The New York Times - Magazine

Time to move on," the answer came back.

The New York Times

The answer came back that it was not.

The New York Times - Arts

No, the answer came back, he wasn't running for President.

The New Yorker

Several days later, the answer came back: It was difficult to tell.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the answer came back" when you want to emphasize the arrival or reception of a response after a period of waiting or inquiry. It suggests a process of asking and then receiving information.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses with "the answer came back". Ensure the tense matches the context of the sentence. For example, don't use future tense if the answer has already been received.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the answer came back" functions as a narrative device to indicate the resolution of a question or inquiry. It often introduces the substance of the reply, as demonstrated in many of Ludwig's examples, highlighting its role in conveying information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the answer came back" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a response or reply has been received, often after some period of waiting or inquiry. As confirmed by Ludwig, its neutral tone and wide usage in news and media make it suitable for various contexts. While alternatives exist, this phrase effectively conveys the arrival of information, making it a useful tool in both writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reply was received

Focuses on the reception of the response, using 'reply' instead of 'answer'.

we received a response

Shifts the focus to the receiver of the answer.

the response was given

Emphasizes the act of providing a response rather than its arrival.

a reply was obtained

Stresses the act of getting a reply.

the feedback was provided

Highlights the feedback aspect of the response.

the information returned

Highlights the return of the information asked for.

the word came back

Uses 'word' to denote the information or message received.

the decision was relayed

Emphasizes the communication of a decision.

the resolution was announced

Implies a more formal or decisive answer.

the conclusion was reached

Focuses on the finality of the answer.

FAQs

How can I use "the answer came back" in a sentence?

You can use "the answer came back" to indicate that a response or reply has been received after a question or inquiry was made. For example: "After waiting for several days, the answer came back from the committee regarding my application."

What are some alternatives to "the answer came back"?

You can use alternatives such as "the reply was received", "the response was given", or "we received a response" depending on the context.

Is "the answer came back" formal or informal?

"The answer came back" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain situations.

What does "the answer came back" imply?

"The answer came back" implies that there was a period of waiting or inquiry before the response was received. It suggests a process of seeking information and then getting a reply.