to which I answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to which I answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question or statement that you are responding to, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "In response to the inquiry posed by the committee, to which I answer with great consideration, I believe further research is necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

To which I answer, Actually, yes, I do.

The New Yorker

To which I answer: Are you sure there's a movement out there for a new bipartisanship?

The New Yorker

"There's more than one?" they stammer, to which I answer no, but then again yes.

The New York Times - Food

To which I answer: When you say, "I need to buy more condoms," isn't this an implicit promise of future, potentially exclusive intimacy?

The New Yorker

"In Germany, when you're asked to direct something, one of the first things they say is: 'What is your conzept?' To which I answer: 'I do not have a conzept.'" He emanates scorn.

The Guardian

When I tell nonangling friends that I fish New York waters, every one of them asks the same question, as if I were slightly off my rocker: "You mean you can eat those fish?" To which I answer, "Yes, you can".

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

To which I answered, "Yes".

The Guardian

To which I answered, without much conviction, "No".

The New York Times

All were middle-aged men with families, and all but two of them asked me what they'd done wrong, to which I answered, 'Nothing.

The New York Times - Books

The man ahead of me, who bought at least 10 items, said, "Don't worry, lady, there's plenty more," to which I answered: "Hey, buddy, I'm not worried.

The New York Times

10 years ago, a young colonel from military intelligence picked me up from Rangoon airport and asked me point-blank: "Do you think only Aung San Suu Kyi can bring democracy to our country?", to which I answered bluntly, "No, absolutely not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to which I answer" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize that you are directly responding to a specific question or statement. It's effective for creating a sense of deliberate and thoughtful engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "to which I answer" too frequently in informal contexts. Its formality can sound stilted or pretentious if overused. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I said" or "I replied" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to which I answer" functions as a prepositional phrase followed by a verb, serving to introduce a direct response or reply to a preceding question or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to which I answer" is a grammatically sound and formally appropriate way to introduce a response. While it isn't overly common, it is suitable for formal and professional writing contexts and is validated as correct by Ludwig AI. The phrase's register is primarily neutral to formal, making it less suitable for casual conversations. Instead consider synonyms, like "to which I respond". Key to using the phrase successfully is ensuring that it aligns with the formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to which my response is

More formal and explicit about the act of responding.

to which I reply

Uses a synonym of "answer", maintaining a similar level of formality.

my answer to that is

Reorders the sentence to emphasize the answer itself.

in response, I say

Highlights the action of speaking in response.

I answer by saying

Emphasizes the manner in which the response is delivered.

to that, I respond

Inverts the structure slightly, keeping the same formal tone.

I would answer that

Adds a conditional aspect, suggesting a considered response.

my reply is this

Directly states the response, with a slightly more declarative tone.

I submit that

Presents the response as a formal submission or argument.

I contend that

Expresses the response as a point of contention or debate.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to which I answer" is used to introduce your response to a question or statement. For example, "When asked about my plans, to which I answer, I intend to travel."

What can I say instead of "to which I answer"?

You can use alternatives like "to which I respond", "I reply", or "my answer is" depending on the context.

Is "to which I answer" formal or informal?

The phrase "to which I answer" leans toward a more formal register. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives are generally preferred.

What's the difference between "to which I answer" and "to which I responded"?

The phrase "to which I answer" indicates a current or habitual response, while "to which I responded" refers to a past, specific instance of answering.