Answer (noun) — a response to a question or a solution to a problem. Answer (verb) — to respond to a question; to pick up the phone or door; to be responsible or accountable for something.
What Does Answer Mean?
Answer is one of the most common and versatile words in English. It has been part of the language since Old English, when andswaru meant a sworn reply to an accusation — from and- (against) and swerian (to swear). Over a thousand years, the meaning broadened from a legal defence to any response to a question or problem.
As a noun, answer refers to the information you give in response to a question, the solution to a maths problem, or a way of dealing with a difficult situation: the right answer, a simple answer, the answer to global warming. As a verb, it means to speak or write in response, to pick up when the phone rings, or to accept responsibility: answer the phone, answer a charge, answer to the board.
Note the difference between answer and reply. Both mean to respond, but reply is used mainly for spoken or written communication, while answer is wider — you can answer a question, a need, or a description. Also contrast answer with solution: a solution typically implies a process of problem-solving, whereas an answer can be immediate and factual.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level & usage note |
|---|---|
| She always checks her answers before handing in the exam paper. | A2 — answer as countable noun, plural |
| Nobody answered the phone when I called the office. | B1 — answer the phone (verb phrase) |
| The teacher asked a difficult question, but Marcus gave a confident answer. | B1 — give an answer (collocation) |
| Investing in renewable energy is not the only answer to the climate crisis. | B2 — answer as solution to a complex problem |
| The director will have to answer for the financial irregularities found in last year's audit. | C1 — answer for (phrasal verb: be accountable) |
Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| give an answer | Please give your answer in full sentences. |
| find the answer | Scientists are still trying to find the answer. |
| know the answer | Do you know the answer to question three? |
| correct / right answer | There may be more than one correct answer. |
| wrong answer | Don't be afraid of giving the wrong answer. |
| short answer | The short answer is: we don't know yet. |
| answer a question | She answered every question clearly and calmly. |
| answer the phone / door | Could you answer the door? My hands are full. |
| answer for (something) | He must answer for his actions in court. |
| answer to (someone) | All staff answer to the department head. |
Usage Notes
- Noun grammar: Answer is countable. Use the indefinite article for a general response (an answer) and the definite article when the answer is specific or unique (the answer). The plural answers is common in exam and quiz contexts.
- Verb grammar: Answer usually takes a direct object with no preposition: answer the question, answer the door. When the meaning is "to be accountable", use answer for (wrongdoing) or answer to (a person in authority).
- Register: Answer is neutral and appropriate in all registers — everyday conversation, academic writing, business communication, and formal legal language. Reply sounds slightly more formal in some contexts.
- British English note: In British English the past tense is answered (regular). The spelling never doubles the final consonant: answering, not *answering. The British pronunciation omits the /w/ sound: /ˈɑːn.sə/, not /ˈæn.sər/ (American).
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
She answered to my question immediately.
She answered my question immediately. (no preposition needed after answer when responding to a question)
He gave me an answer for the problem.
He gave me an answer to the problem. (use answer to when linking to a problem or issue)
I don't know the answer of this exercise.
I don't know the answer to this exercise. (the answer to something, not of)