timely answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"timely answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a response or reply that arrives at the right moment. For example: I was grateful for his timely answer to my question.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

All this left me remembering the time I texted one son during math class needing a timely answer to an urgent question.

Huffington Post

But "fasten your seat belt" was his timely answer.

The New York Times

The new algorithm -- by Manindra Agrawal, Neeraj Kayal and Nitin Saxena of the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur -- guarantees a correct and timely answer.

The New York Times

(j) The authority head shall decide expeditiously whether extraordinary circumstances excuse the respondent's failure to file a timely answer based solely on the record before the ALJ.

Cornell University

(a) Any defendant who submits a timely answer and is found liable for a civil penalty or assessment in an initial decision may appeal the decision.

Cornell University

(b) If the defendant fails to serve a timely answer, service of a notice under § 31.10(b) shall be deemed a notice of hearing for purposes of this section.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

People produce timely answers, correctly if possible, whereas computers produce correct answers, quickly if possible.

The Economist

The parents had been unable to get timely answers from their own schools.

The New York Times

Because students were asking and answering questions, NB became the destination for timely answers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Use the "Ask a Dean" program to get timely answers to your questions.

Cornell University

All personnel involved in the process strive to provide timely answers to the families.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "timely answer", ensure that the context clearly indicates the importance of the answer being provided within a specific timeframe or deadline. Emphasize the benefit of receiving the answer when it is most needed.

Common error

Avoid using "timely answer" when the accuracy or completeness of the answer is more important than the speed. In some situations, a well-considered, accurate answer is preferable to a fast, but potentially incorrect, response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "timely answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "timely" modifies the noun "answer". It serves to describe the quality of the answer in terms of its appropriateness in time, indicating that the response was provided at the moment it was most needed. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used and understandable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "timely answer" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a response delivered at the most opportune moment. According to Ludwig AI, its frequent use across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science underscores its versatility. While alternatives like "prompt response" and "quick reply" exist, "timely answer" specifically emphasizes the significance of the response's timing. When using this phrase, ensure the context highlights the importance of the answer being provided within a specific timeframe, focusing on the benefit of receiving the answer when it's most needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompt response

Emphasizes the quickness and readiness of the response.

quick reply

Highlights the speed with which the answer is given.

speedy response

Similar to "quick reply", but with a stronger emphasis on rapidity.

expeditious answer

A more formal way to describe a quick and efficient answer.

rapid response

Focuses on the swiftness of the reaction or reply.

immediate answer

Implies the answer is provided without any delay.

on-time answer

Stresses that the answer was given by a specific deadline or expected time.

appropriate response

Emphasizes the suitability and correctness of the answer in a certain context.

suitable reply

Highlights that the answer is adequate and fitting for the situation.

relevant response

Indicates that the answer is directly related to the question or situation.

FAQs

What does "timely answer" mean?

A "timely answer" is a response that is given at the appropriate or most useful time. It implies that the answer is not only correct but also provided when it is needed most.

What are some alternatives to saying "timely answer"?

You can use alternatives like "prompt response", "quick reply", or "speedy response" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "timely answer"?

Use "timely answer" when the timing of the response is crucial. This is common in situations where delays could have negative consequences, such as in customer service, emergency situations, or time-sensitive business decisions.

Is there a difference between "timely answer" and "accurate answer"?

"Timely answer" emphasizes the speed of the response, while "accurate answer" focuses on its correctness. An ideal answer is both timely and accurate, but in some contexts, one may be more important than the other.