to answer that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to answer that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are about to respond to a question or address a specific point in a discussion. Example: "In order to answer that, we need to consider the various factors involved in the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's tough to answer that one.

The New York Times - Sports

The book attempts to answer that question.

The New Yorker

I'm not going to answer that".

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to answer that".

Independent

I don't need to answer that.

Independent

Nobody was able to answer that question.

The New York Times

How to answer that?

The Guardian

Anyone to answer that?

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm loth to answer that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"They've got to answer that".

The New York Times - Sports

"You don't have to answer that one.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to answer that" to smoothly introduce your response to a specific question or point in a discussion. It creates a clear connection between the question and your answer.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "to answer that", as it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "regarding that" or rephrasing the question within your answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to answer that" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling the start of a response or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to connect your answer with a previous point. It's often used to provide clarity and direction in a conversation or written piece.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to answer that" serves as a versatile introductory phrase to directly address a question or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While prevalent in news and media, it also fits well within scientific and formal business environments. To avoid redundancy, consider using alternatives like "to address that" or "to respond to that". By varying your approach, you'll maintain clarity without being repetitive. Therefore, "to answer that" is a reliable tool for connecting ideas and providing clear, focused responses in diverse forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to address that

Focuses more on addressing the topic rather than directly answering a question.

to respond to that

Highlights the act of responding, suitable for direct replies.

in response to that

More formal, emphasizing the reactive nature of the answer.

to provide an answer to that

More verbose, stresses the act of providing a complete answer.

to clarify that

Emphasizes making something clearer, suitable when addressing confusion.

regarding that

Shifts the focus to the subject matter itself, less direct.

concerning that

Similar to 'regarding that', indicates relevance to the topic.

to explain that

Focuses on providing an explanation or rationale.

to elaborate on that

Suggests providing further details or expanding on a previous point.

to comment on that

Indicates offering an opinion or commentary.

FAQs

How can I use "to answer that" in a sentence?

You can use "to answer that" to introduce your response to a question or point. For example, "To answer that, we need to consider the context." It indicates that you are directly addressing the previous statement.

What are some alternatives to "to answer that"?

Alternatives include "to address that", "to respond to that", or "in response to that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the formality of your writing.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "to answer that". It functions as an introductory phrase to connect your response with the preceding question or statement.

When is it best to use "to answer that" versus a more direct response?

Use "to answer that" when you want to explicitly acknowledge and connect with a previous question or statement. A more direct response might be suitable when the context is already clear and a formal introduction isn't necessary.