to answer this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to answer this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are about to provide a response or explanation to a question or topic that has been raised. Example: "To answer this, we need to consider the various factors that influence the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do I have to answer this question?

The New Yorker

I don't have to answer this question.

Independent

(Supply an image to answer this question).

The New York Times

You really want to answer this thing.

The New Yorker

Feldman appears to answer this first question.

SEP

Thomson proceeded to answer this objection.

SEP

To answer this, Conversation Analysis was employed.

Language Testing in Asia

You don't have to answer this one.

Forbes

No real way to answer this question.

TechCrunch

To answer this very last question, yes.

TechCrunch

This paper is devoted to answer this question.

Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to answer this" to smoothly transition from a question or problem statement to its resolution or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "to answer this" in very casual conversations; simpler phrases may sound more natural. Overusing this phrase can also make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to answer this" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a purpose connector. It signals that the speaker or writer is about to provide a response or explanation to a question or issue that has been raised. This is confirmed by Ludwig's examples showing diverse contexts where explanations follow.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to answer this" is a useful transitional phrase that introduces an explanation or solution. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional settings and should be used judiciously to avoid repetition. Alternatives include "in response to this" and "to address this". Therefore, while "to answer this" is useful to introduce an explanation, it can be replaced with similar meaning alternatives according to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In response to this

More formal and direct, suitable for professional or academic settings.

To address this

Similar in purpose, but implies a more problem-solving approach.

To explain this

Focuses specifically on providing an explanation.

To resolve this

Suggests a need to solve or clarify a specific point.

The answer to this is

More direct and definitive, presenting the answer as a statement.

Here's the response

More casual and immediate, suitable for informal contexts.

This can be answered by

Shifts focus to the method or entity providing the answer.

To understand this

Introduces an explanation aimed at comprehension.

In order to clarify

Focuses on making something clearer or more understandable.

The key to this is

Highlights the central or most important aspect of the answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "to answer this" to introduce an explanation or a solution to a question or problem. For example, "The question is complex. "To answer this", we need to consider several factors."

What phrases are similar to "to answer this"?

Similar phrases include "in response to this", "to address this", or "to explain this", which can be used depending on the specific context.

Is "to answer this" formal or informal?

"To answer this" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic writing, professional reports, and news articles, but might be too formal for very casual conversations.

When should I avoid using "to answer this"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "to answer this" repeatedly in a short space. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "the solution is", "here's the response" or "this can be answered by" to maintain reader engagement.