the answer was elusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the answer was elusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where a solution or response is difficult to find or understand. Example: "After hours of searching for the solution to the puzzle, I realized that the answer was elusive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The answer is elusive.

The New York Times

"The answer is elusive," he said.

The New York Times

The answer is elusive, Ms. Wickham said, even though the Brotherhood "has a 30-year behavior as actors in a competitive political process". That is why it is crucial, she said, that Egypt's electoral laws and Constitution be rewritten during a transition, as widely discussed, to prevent any party from seizing absolute control.

The New York Times

"The president and Administrator Whitman have said that carbon dioxide shouldn't be regulated as a pollutant; the science on it is more complex, and the answers are elusive right now," he said.

The New York Times

The answers are elusive, if they even exist.

Huffington Post

And why, in particular, in Italy and Spain?A complete answer is elusive, but the countries in which bancassurance has been a success have some traits in common.

The Economist

Regarding their abrupt breakup, a single answer is elusive, but they said Mr. Damiani's departure from the band shortly before the Beatles tour seriously affected the mood, and that witnessing the Fab Four's intense fame perhaps had an adverse effect.

The New York Times

If their answer is elusive, unclear or outright suspicious, that's definitely a bad sign.

WikiHow

The answer was more elusive.

The New York Times

Three days later, the answer was still elusive.

The Economist

But in many shootings, like the one in Las Vegas, answers are elusive.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the answer was elusive" when you want to express that understanding or finding a solution to a problem is difficult, despite efforts to discover it.

Common error

Avoid using "the answer was elusive" when the answer is simply unknown or not yet researched. Elusiveness implies that the answer exists but is hard to grasp, not that it is nonexistent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the answer was elusive" functions as a statement expressing the difficulty or impossibility of finding a clear or straightforward solution. Ludwig shows that it's often used when discussing complex problems or situations where understanding is lacking. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the answer was elusive" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to express that a solution or explanation is difficult to find or understand. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate for formal and neutral registers, fitting well in News & Media and Scientific contexts. The phrase is uncommon but effectively communicates a sense of uncertainty. Related phrases include "the solution remained obscure" and "the explanation proved unattainable". When using this phrase, ensure that elusiveness is due to the complexity of finding the answer, rather than simply a lack of knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the solution remained obscure

Focuses on the lack of clarity or understanding regarding a solution.

the explanation proved unattainable

Highlights the difficulty in reaching or grasping a clear explanation.

the resolution was out of reach

Emphasizes that a resolution or solution is not easily accessible or achievable.

the truth remained hidden

Highlights the difficulty to uncover the truth.

the reason was not clear

Simply states that the reason or cause is not apparent or well-defined.

the answer defied understanding

Emphasizes that the answer is so complex or contradictory that it cannot be understood.

a solution was nowhere to be found

Indicates that despite efforts, no solution could be discovered.

the key remained a mystery

Focuses on the enigmatic nature of the solution or key to understanding.

the matter was unresolved

States that the issue or question has not been settled or answered.

the question went unanswered

Suggests that no response or solution was provided for the question.

FAQs

What does "the answer was elusive" mean?

It means that the solution or explanation to a problem was difficult to find, understand, or grasp. It suggests that even after attempts to discover the answer, it remained unclear or hard to define.

How can I use "the answer was elusive" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe situations where you've struggled to find a clear answer. For example, "After hours of research, "the answer was elusive", leaving us with more questions than before."

What are some alternatives to "the answer was elusive"?

You could say "the solution remained obscure", "the explanation proved unattainable", or "the resolution was out of reach" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the answer was elusive" in formal writing?

Yes, it is suitable for formal writing. The phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. However, ensure that the tone and context align with the rest of your writing.