will answer for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will answer for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone will be held accountable or responsible for something, often in a legal or moral context. Example: "If the project fails, the manager will answer for the mistakes made during the planning phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

This is a crime and you will answer for it".

Independent

God will answer for me … none of this makes sense".

The Guardian - Sport

Those involved will be identified; they will answer for their actions".

The New York Times

"Mr. Clarke can and will answer for his own conduct, but that is all".

The New York Times

There is no mechanism for who will answer for a spill".

The New York Times

That is the question that Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker will answer for us next month.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But this test will answer only for unutilized phosphides and not for absorbed phosphine.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

For the reference standard 'genetic sequencing followed culture', we will answer 'no' for all studies.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

David Gergen has posed the question, and I will answer it for him.

The New York Times

The Providence Public Library hosts lawyers who will answer questions for free.

Stanford University

Actually believe that Allah will answer it for you, don't just pray without believing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will answer for", ensure that the context clearly defines what the person or entity is being held accountable for. Specificity strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "will answer for" when the responsibility is ambiguous or shared. Ensure the subject of the phrase has direct control or influence over the outcome in question, otherwise, it may not be suitable and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will answer for" functions as a predicate expressing future accountability or responsibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests that someone will be held to account for their actions or the consequences thereof. This implies a cause-and-effect relationship where actions lead to a need for explanation or justification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will answer for" indicates that someone will be held accountable or responsible, often implying consequences for their actions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While "will answer for" appears most frequently in news and media, it also finds use in academic and science contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is essential: be sure to use the phrase when responsibility is unambiguous and that the subject of the phrase has direct control or influence over the outcome in question. Alternatives such as "will be held accountable for" or "will be responsible for" can be used depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be held accountable for

This alternative directly emphasizes the aspect of being held responsible, shifting the focus from the act of answering to the state of being accountable.

will be made to answer for

This alternative emphasizes the external force compelling someone to answer, adding a sense of obligation or coercion.

will be responsible for

This alternative is a more general expression of responsibility, lacking the implication of facing consequences that "will answer for" suggests.

will be called to account for

This phrase uses a more formal tone to convey the idea of being summoned to explain one's actions and their results.

will face the consequences of

This phrase highlights the negative outcomes that follow an action, emphasizing the punitive aspect of "will answer for".

will be liable for

This alternative carries a legal connotation, suggesting a formal obligation to compensate for damages or losses.

will be brought to justice for

This option stresses the aspect of legal prosecution and punishment for wrongdoing.

will take the blame for

This emphasizes the acceptance of fault, downplaying the potential consequences implied in the original phrase.

will be penalized for

This focuses explicitly on the imposition of a penalty or punishment.

will be sanctioned for

Similar to 'will be penalized for', this implies a formal disapproval or punishment, often by an authority.

FAQs

How to use "will answer for" in a sentence?

Use "will answer for" to indicate that someone will be held accountable or responsible for something, often implying consequences. For example, "The CEO "will answer for" the company's financial losses."

What can I say instead of "will answer for"?

You can use alternatives like "will be held accountable for", "will be responsible for", or "will face the consequences of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "will answer for" or "will be answerable for"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""will answer for"" is more common and suggests a direct responsibility and potential consequences. "Will be answerable for" is less direct.

What's the difference between "will answer for" and "will respond to"?

"Will answer for" implies accountability and potential repercussions, whereas "will respond to" simply means addressing a situation or query without necessarily implying blame or responsibility.