to answer a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to answer a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of providing a response or solution to an inquiry. Example: "In order to clarify the topic, I will take a moment to answer a question that has been raised by several participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They were asked to answer a question.

The Economist

Send an ambassador to answer a question?

The Guardian - Opinion

Send an amb[assador] to answer a question?

The Guardian

He pointedly refused to answer a question about whether he trusted Maliki.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is probably not the function of the author to answer a question like that.

The New Yorker

DEB, New York A. It takes a lot of time to answer a question like that.

The New York Times

"I wish I had time to answer a question like that".

The New York Times

"Not tonight," she said, clearly distressed by having to answer a question put to her regularly.

The New Yorker

He declined to answer a question about whether he missed the capital.

The New York Times

At one point, while trying to answer a question, Manning writes, "I'll have to ask Assange".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We decided to force him to answer a question any one would do.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to answer a question" in formal writing, ensure the question is clearly stated or referenced to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "To answer the question of budget allocation, we must first examine current expenditures."

Common error

Avoid using "to answer a question" when you are actually providing a solution to a problem or addressing a concern that isn't explicitly framed as a question. For example, if you're solving a technical issue, it's more appropriate to say "to resolve an issue" rather than "to answer a question".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to answer a question" is as an infinitive phrase, often used to express purpose or intention. It commonly serves as an introductory element in sentences, indicating the reason for an action, as seen in many examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to answer a question" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction widely used to denote the intent of providing a response or solution to an inquiry. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts, making it a common expression in English. While generally neutral in register, the choice of synonyms like "to respond to a query" or "to address an inquiry" can elevate the formality. Remember to use this phrase when you're directly addressing a question and consider more precise alternatives if you are solving broader issues. Always ensure the question is clear to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to respond to a query

Replaces "answer" with "respond" and "question" with "query", offering a more formal tone.

to address an inquiry

Substitutes "answer" with "address" and "question" with "inquiry", conveying a sense of dealing with the matter directly.

to provide a response to a question

Elaborates on the action by specifying "provide a response", adding a bit more detail.

to give an answer to a question

Uses "give an answer" instead of simply "answer", which can sound slightly more conversational.

to field a question

Replaces "answer" with "field", implying handling a question, often in a public or professional setting.

to resolve a question

Changes the focus to resolving the issue the question presents rather than just answering it.

to clarify a question

Emphasizes making the question itself clearer rather than providing an answer.

to explain a question

Focuses on elucidating the question's meaning, not necessarily answering it directly.

to tackle a question

Suggests confronting a question, often one that is challenging or complex.

to examine a question

Implies a detailed analysis of the question, rather than simply providing a response.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "to answer a question" that sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "to respond to a query", "to address an inquiry", or "to provide a response to a question". These options often suit professional or academic contexts better.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "to answer a question"?

The phrase "to answer a question" is generally correct, but it might be less suitable if you're not literally answering a direct question. In situations where you're solving a problem or clarifying a topic, alternatives like "to resolve an issue" or "to clarify a topic" could be more appropriate.

How can I make my use of "to answer a question" more concise?

To be more concise, you can often simply use "to answer" followed by the specific topic. For instance, instead of "to answer a question about budgeting", you could say "to answer budgeting". Additionally, using "to address an inquiry" could also shorten sentences.

What's the difference between "to answer a question" and "to address a question"?

While both phrases are similar, "to answer a question" typically implies providing a direct response. "To address a question" can suggest a more comprehensive approach, which could involve analyzing the question, providing context, and then offering a response. "To address an inquiry" sometimes means more in depth investigation of the topic.