work out an answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work out an answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of finding a solution or resolving a problem. Example: "After several hours of discussion, we finally managed to work out an answer to the complex equation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He won't forget and may ask again but it gives you time to work out an answer.

WikiHow

Someone might look up at the ceiling pretending to work out an answer, but they are really trying to see a classmate's paper.

WikiHow

You are bound to start asking yourself whether you are the hero of your own life (or whether you need to be), and laughing at yourself, or wincing, or both, as you work out an answer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The role of working memory in mental arithmetic is traditionally established with an experimental procedure that limits or prevents participants from modifying the problem presentation in working out an answer.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Lemov's favorite variety has the teacher ask the question first, and then say the student's name, forcing every single student to do the work of figuring out an answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

By today, he had worked out a more elaborate answer.

The New York Times

According to Lee, Rawle "mailed the Knoxes a crossword clue," but "no one could work out the answer".

The New Yorker

Could it be best to buy bonds when the curve is inverted (long bonds yielding less than cash) on the grounds that these periods usually herald recession, when risk-free assets do well?I have been busy with a spreadsheet this afternoon to try and work out the answer.

The Economist

I'm sat on the floor of impresario Michael White's flat in Westbourne Grove, sifting through an endless collection of photo albums and trying to work out the answer.

Vice

I'm sitting on the floor of impresario Michael White's home in London's fashionable Westbourne Grove, sifting through an endless collection of photo albums and trying to work out the answer. .

Vice

She's had 18 years to work out the answer, so what chance have the rest of us in a mere 112 minutes?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work out an answer" when you want to emphasize the process of thinking and problem-solving, rather than simply finding a ready-made solution.

Common error

Avoid using "work out an answer" when a simpler phrase like "find the answer" or "get the solution" would suffice. The phrase implies a more complex or challenging problem-solving process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work out an answer" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the process of solving a problem or finding a solution through careful thought or calculation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work out an answer" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the process of finding a solution through thought and effort. As Ludwig shows, it appears in diverse contexts, from news articles to how-to guides. While versatile, remember that it emphasizes the mental exertion involved, so simpler alternatives like "find the answer" may be more appropriate in some situations. It's also worth noting that the use of "work out an answer" can be seen more in news media compared to formal business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figure out a solution

Focuses on the act of discovering or understanding a solution, similar to the effort implied in the original phrase.

determine a response

Highlights the act of deciding on a response, shifting the focus slightly from problem-solving to reaction.

find a resolution

Emphasizes the act of resolving a problem or conflict, aligning with the 'solution' aspect of the original phrase.

arrive at a conclusion

Shifts the focus to the end result of a reasoning process, the conclusion itself.

deduce the solution

Highlights the logical reasoning aspect of finding a solution.

resolve the problem

Focuses on addressing the problem and finding a fix.

reason out the answer

Stresses the act of using logic and reasoning to discover the answer.

develop a response

Focuses on creating or formulating a response, implying a more active process.

formulate an explanation

Highlights the process of creating a detailed explanation.

construct an argument

Shifts the focus to building a logical argument, differing from simply finding an answer.

FAQs

How can I use "work out an answer" in a sentence?

You can use "work out an answer" when referring to the process of finding a solution through reasoning or calculation. For example, "After hours of deliberation, the committee was able to "work out an answer" to the budget crisis".

What's a simpler way to say "work out an answer"?

Alternatives include "find a solution", "determine an answer", or "figure out a response", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "work out an answer", or are there times when it's not appropriate?

While grammatically correct, "work out an answer" implies a deliberate and thoughtful process. If the answer is readily available or requires minimal effort, consider using simpler phrases like "find the answer".

What's the difference between "work out an answer" and "find an answer"?

"Work out an answer" emphasizes the mental effort and problem-solving involved in reaching a conclusion. "Find an answer", on the other hand, simply refers to locating a solution, regardless of the process involved.