Explanation at your level:
You use to answer when someone asks you something. If I ask, 'How are you?', and you say, 'I am fine,' you are answering me. It is a very useful word for school and home. You can answer a question, answer the phone, or answer the door.
At this level, you use answer to show you understand a request. You can answer the phone when it rings or answer an email from a teacher. It is a simple way to say you are giving information back to someone else.
As you move to intermediate English, you will use answer in more complex ways. You might answer for your behavior, which means you explain why you did something wrong. You can also answer a need, which means you provide something that was missing.
At the upper-intermediate level, you recognize that answer can be both a verb and a noun. You might discuss how someone's actions answer to a specific set of criteria. You also start using it in figurative ways, such as answering the call of duty.
Advanced learners use answer to describe sophisticated responses. You might answer a challenge or answer an argument with logic. It often appears in academic writing where you must answer the prompt of an essay or provide a solution that answers the complexities of a research question.
At the mastery level, answer encompasses historical and literary nuances. You might encounter phrases like answer to the name of, or use it to describe how one thing corresponds to another, such as 'the description answers exactly to the suspect.' It is a word that bridges the gap between simple communication and precise, analytical discourse.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- To answer means to provide a response.
- The 'w' is always silent.
- It is a transitive verb (needs an object).
- It has formal and casual uses.
The verb to answer is one of the most fundamental actions in communication. At its heart, it means providing a response to a stimulus, usually a question or a call.
You use this word every day, whether you are answering a text message from a friend or answering a teacher in class. It signifies that you have heard information and are now providing a reaction or a solution to it.
Beyond just talking, to answer can also mean to solve a problem or to fulfill a need. For example, if you find a tool that fixes a broken chair, that tool answers the problem perfectly.
The word answer has deep roots in Old English, specifically from the word andswaru. The prefix and- meant 'against' and swaru meant 'oath' or 'swearing'.
Historically, to answer was to make a formal statement against an accusation or to swear in response to a legal claim. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from a formal legal setting to our everyday, casual use of responding to any question.
It shares linguistic ancestors with German (Antwort) and Dutch (antwoord). It is fascinating how a word that once meant 'swearing an oath against someone' has become such a polite and helpful part of our daily vocabulary.
In daily life, to answer is used neutrally. You might answer the phone or answer a question. It is a direct verb, meaning it usually takes an object immediately.
In more formal contexts, you might hear answer for, which implies taking responsibility. If a manager makes a mistake, they might have to answer for their actions to the board of directors.
When you are being very formal, you might use synonyms like respond or reply. However, answer remains the most natural choice for almost all situations, making it a highly versatile verb for learners of all levels.
Idioms give color to our language. Here are five common ones:
- Answer the call: To take action when needed (e.g., 'He answered the call to help').
- Answer back: To reply rudely to an adult or authority figure.
- Answer a prayer: To provide exactly what was needed at the right time.
- In answer to: Used to explain the reason for an action (e.g., 'In answer to your request...').
- Answer for: To be held accountable for a mistake.
The verb to answer is regular. Its past tense is answered and its present participle is answering. It is typically a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object: 'Please answer the question.'
Pronunciation is tricky because the 'w' is silent. In both British and American English, it sounds like AN-ser. The stress is on the first syllable.
It rhymes with words like dancer, prancer, and cancer. Remember, even though it is spelled with a 'w', do not pronounce it! It is a silent letter that often trips up new learners.
Fun Fact
The 'w' was once pronounced in Old English but became silent over time.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'AHN-suh'.
Sounds like 'AN-ser'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'w'
- Stressing the second syllable
- Adding an extra sound at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read.
Very easy to write.
Easy, but watch the silent 'w'.
Easy, but watch the silent 'w'.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
پیشرفته
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verbs
I answered the question.
Silent Letters
Answer (silent w).
Phrasal Verbs
Answer for / Answer back.
Examples by Level
Please answer the question.
Please reply to the question.
Imperative form.
I answer the phone.
I pick up the phone.
Present simple.
Can you answer me?
Can you reply to me?
Modal verb.
He answers the door.
He opens the door.
Third person singular.
Did you answer?
Did you reply?
Past simple question.
She answers emails.
She replies to emails.
Routine action.
Don't answer that.
Do not reply to that.
Negative imperative.
We answer quickly.
We reply fast.
Adverb usage.
Please answer the teacher.
I need to answer this call.
She answered the letter yesterday.
They are answering the questions now.
He will answer your email soon.
Did she answer your message?
I don't know how to answer that.
Always answer politely.
He had to answer for his mistakes.
This product answers a real need in the market.
She answered the criticism with facts.
I hope this answers your concerns.
The dog answers to the name 'Buddy'.
He was unable to answer the complex question.
They answered the call for volunteers.
She answered back rudely.
The evidence answers to the description perfectly.
He answered the challenge with great courage.
We must answer to the public for our decisions.
The solution answers the problem of high costs.
She answered the phone with a sigh.
He answered the question in great detail.
They answered the call of history.
I cannot answer for his behavior.
The candidate answered the prompt with insightful analysis.
His actions answer to a higher moral standard.
She answered the accusation with a calm demeanor.
The design answers the requirements of the brief.
We must answer the question of sustainability.
He answered the call of duty without hesitation.
The data answers the hypothesis effectively.
She answered the critique with a revised draft.
The portrait answers to the description of the missing heir.
He was called to answer for his crimes before the court.
The architecture answers to the needs of the local climate.
She answered the philosophical inquiry with grace.
The outcome answers to the initial predictions.
They answered the call of the wild.
He answered the summons with reluctance.
The theory answers the fundamental questions of the age.
ترکیبهای رایج
Idioms & Expressions
"answer the call"
To respond to a need.
He answered the call of duty.
neutral"answer back"
To reply rudely.
The child answered back to the teacher.
casual"answer for"
To be held responsible.
You will have to answer for this later.
neutral"answer the bell"
To be ready for a challenge.
He was ready to answer the bell.
idiomatic"in answer to"
As a response to.
In answer to your question, no.
formal"answer to no one"
To be independent.
She answers to no one.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean to respond.
Reply is often more formal or written.
I replied to the email.
Both mean to answer.
Respond is more formal.
He responded to the news.
They are related in conversation.
Ask is the start, answer is the finish.
I ask, you answer.
Both are responses.
React is emotional or physical.
She reacted with shock.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + answer + object
I answered the phone.
Subject + answer + for + object
He answered for his crimes.
Subject + answer + back
The boy answered back.
Subject + answer + to + object
The dog answers to Buddy.
In answer to + noun
In answer to your request, yes.
خانواده کلمه
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
اشتباهات رایج
The 'w' is silent.
Answer is a transitive verb; no preposition needed.
They are opposites.
Grammar structure error.
It usually needs an object.
Tips
Silent W
Don't say the w!
No Preposition
Don't use 'to' after answer.
Phone Etiquette
Always answer with a friendly tone.
Contextual Learning
Practice with 'answer the phone' and 'answer the door'.
Transitive Verb
Remember it needs an object.
Respect
Don't 'answer back' to authority.
Rhyme Time
Dancer, Prancer, Answer.
Old English
It meant swearing an oath!
Flashcards
Use Q&A pairs.
Business
Use 'respond' for very formal emails.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
An-S-Er: A New Solution Every Response.
Visual Association
A person picking up a ringing telephone.
Word Web
چالش
Try to answer every question you are asked today in a full sentence.
ریشه کلمه
Old English
Original meaning: To swear against an oath.
بافت فرهنگی
None, but 'answering back' is considered disrespectful in many cultures.
Answering the phone with 'Hello' is standard in all English-speaking countries.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- answer the question
- answer correctly
- raise your hand to answer
at work
- answer the phone
- answer an email
- answer for the project
at home
- answer the door
- answer the phone
- answer your parents
travel
- answer the customs officer
- answer the survey
Conversation Starters
"How do you usually answer the phone?"
"Do you find it easy to answer questions in class?"
"Have you ever had to answer for a mistake?"
"Why is it important to answer emails quickly?"
"What is the best way to answer a difficult question?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had to answer for a mistake.
Describe how you feel when you have to answer a question in front of a crowd.
Why do some people find it hard to answer the phone?
How has the way we answer messages changed over time?
سوالات متداول
8 سوالYes, always.
No, just 'answer the question'.
Yes, it ends in -ed.
It is also 'answer'.
Yes, 'I will answer your email'.
To take responsibility.
It is neutral and used everywhere.
AN-ser.
خودت رو بسنج
Please ___ the phone.
We answer the phone.
What is the opposite of 'answer'?
Asking is the opposite of answering.
The 'w' in 'answer' is pronounced.
The 'w' is silent.
Word
معنی
These are common phrasal verbs.
Subject + verb + object.
امتیاز: /5
Summary
To answer is to provide a response, and remember: the 'w' is silent!
- To answer means to provide a response.
- The 'w' is always silent.
- It is a transitive verb (needs an object).
- It has formal and casual uses.
Silent W
Don't say the w!
No Preposition
Don't use 'to' after answer.
Phone Etiquette
Always answer with a friendly tone.
Contextual Learning
Practice with 'answer the phone' and 'answer the door'.
مثال
Please answer the phone.
Related Content
این کلمه در زبانهای دیگر
واژههای بیشتر communication
advice
A2پیشنهاد یا راهنمایی که کسی بهت میده تا توی تصمیمگیری یا انجام کاری بهت کمک کنه.
advise
A2به کسی پیشنهاد یا توصیهای برای انجام کاری دادن.
aloud
A2یعنی با صدایی حرف بزنی که بقیه بتونن خوب بشنون.
break the ice
B1To do or say something that makes people feel more relaxed and comfortable in a social setting, especially when meeting for the first time. It is used to relieve tension or awkwardness in a group.
communication
B1رد و بدل کردن اطلاعات، ایدهها یا احساسات بین آدمها.
complain
A2وقتی از چیزی ناراحتی و میخواهی به بقیه بگویی که از آن موضوع خوشت نمیآید.
congratulate
A2یعنی به خاطر موفقیت یا اتفاق خوبی که برای کسی افتاده، بهش تبریک بگی.
conversation
A2مکالمه یعنی گپ زدن بین دو نفر یا بیشتر.
converse
B2با کسی حرف زدن و گپ و گفت کردن.
disagree
B1مخالف بودن یعنی نظرت با بقیه فرق داشته باشه.
