the answer is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the answer is that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide an explanation or answer to a question. For example: Q: What is the best way to learn English? A: The answer is that the best way to learn English is to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing as often as possible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The answer is that it's complicated.

The New York Times

The answer is that he seeks mercy.

The New Yorker

Well, the answer is that I do.

The New Yorker

The answer is that I deduced it.

The New Yorker

The answer is that it does.

Independent

The answer is that I do.

The New Yorker

The answer is that it can't be.

The New Yorker

The answer is that it's exactly both".

The New Yorker

The answer is that we don't know.

The New York Times

The answer is that they didn't, really.

The New Yorker

And the answer is that I wouldn't.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the answer is that" to clearly introduce an explanation or resolution to a question or problem. This phrase works best when you want to be direct and leave no room for ambiguity.

Common error

While "the answer is that" is clear, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "the reason is" or rephrasing the sentence to directly state the answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the answer is that" functions as an explanatory phrase, introducing a direct response or clarification to a question. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a standard and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the answer is that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce an explanation or solution. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, and example sentences from diverse sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian illustrate its versatility. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is suitable for various registers. To avoid redundancy, consider using synonyms like "the explanation is" or rephrasing the sentence for greater stylistic variation. Remember to clearly and directly answer the question when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the explanation is this

Replaces "answer" with "explanation", focusing on clarifying a point.

the reason is because

Offers a direct causal explanation, replacing "answer" with "reason".

the truth is

Emphasizes honesty and directness in the response.

in reality

Highlights a factual or realistic perspective.

what it comes down to is

Summarizes a complex situation into a core point.

ultimately

Signifies the final or most important point after consideration.

the long and short of it is

Provides a concise summary after a lengthy explanation.

to put it simply

Introduces a simplified explanation of a complex issue.

in essence

Captures the core or fundamental nature of something.

boiling it down

Reduces a complex matter to its most basic elements.

FAQs

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

The phrase "the answer is that" is used to introduce an explanation or solution to a question. For example, "Why is the sky blue? The answer is that the air molecules scatter blue light more than other colors".

What are some alternatives to "the answer is that"?

You can use alternatives like "the explanation is", "the reason is", or "in reality" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the answer is that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the answer is that". It's a common and acceptable way to introduce an explanation or solution.

What's the difference between "the answer is that" and "the solution is that"?

While both phrases introduce a resolution, "the answer is that" is more general and can explain any question, while "the solution is that" specifically addresses a problem or challenge. For example, "the solution is that" often implies a practical fix.