the answer is

USAGE SUMMARY

"the answer is" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when providing the resolution to a question or dilemma. For example: "After hours of researching, the answer is that the Ring-Necked Pheasant is native to Eurasia and North America."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The answer is timing.

The Economist

The answer is: tons.

The Economist

The answer is fuzzier.

The Economist

The answer is, never.

The New York Times

The answer is disturbing.

Independent

The answer is money.

The New York Times

The answer is Yemen.

Independent

The answer is Trude.

The New Yorker

The answer is politics.

The New York Times

The answer is E.

Independent

The answer is neither.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the answer is" to clearly and directly introduce a solution, explanation, or key piece of information. This phrase is effective in simplifying complex topics and providing immediate clarity.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with "the answer is" in narrative writing. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Instead, vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "the solution is" or "the reason is" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the answer is" serves as an introductory phrase, functioning to present a solution, explanation, or clarification to a question or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a grammatically correct and widely used way to introduce information. Examples from Ludwig show it used across various contexts to provide concise responses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the answer is" is a highly versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to directly introduce a solution, explanation, or key piece of information. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal and business settings. While generally neutral in register, it’s essential to avoid overuse in narrative writing to maintain reader engagement. Authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and The Independent frequently employ this phrase, affirming its reliability and wide acceptance. Related phrases such as "the solution is" and "the reason is" can provide suitable alternatives to prevent repetition and add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the solution is

Replaces "answer" with "solution", emphasizing the resolution to a problem.

the explanation is

Substitutes "answer" with "explanation", focusing on providing understanding.

the reason is

Uses "reason" instead of "answer", highlighting the cause or rationale behind something.

the key is

Replaces "answer" with "key", suggesting the crucial element for understanding or success.

what it boils down to is

Offers a more colloquial way of introducing the essential point.

the bottom line is

Presents the core conclusion or most important aspect.

the truth is

Introduces a statement of fact, often implying a revelation.

in short

Provides a concise summary or conclusion.

to put it simply

Signals a simplified explanation.

the long and short of it is

Offers a summary after a lengthy explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "the answer is" effectively in a sentence?

Use "the answer is" to directly introduce a solution, explanation, or key piece of information. For example, "The question was complex; "the answer is", careful planning and execution are essential."

What are some alternatives to "the answer is"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the solution is", "the explanation is", or "the reason is".

Is it ever incorrect to use "the answer is"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "the answer is" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases or rephrasing your sentences to avoid monotony.

What is the difference between "the answer is" and "the key is"?

While both introduce important information, ""the answer is"" typically provides a direct response or solution, whereas "the key is" suggests the crucial element for understanding or achieving something. For example, "The answer is 42", versus "the key is hard work".