Meaning
To open the door when someone knocks or rings the doorbell.
Cultural Background
In suburban US, 'answering the door' is often preceded by looking through a 'peephole' or checking a 'Ring' camera due to safety concerns and a high volume of salespeople. There is a strong tradition of 'answering the door' to neighbors for 'a cup of sugar' or a quick chat, though this is declining in larger cities. In Japan, many apartments have an 'intercom' with a screen. 'Answering the door' often happens entirely through the intercom without ever opening the physical door. Hospitality is paramount. Answering the door often implies an immediate invitation for the guest to enter and receive refreshment.
Use 'Get it' for speed
In a hurry? Just shout 'I'll get it!' when the bell rings. Everyone will know you mean the door.
Don't say 'Answer to'
Avoid adding 'to'. It's 'answer the door,' not 'answer to the door.'
Meaning
To open the door when someone knocks or rings the doorbell.
Use 'Get it' for speed
In a hurry? Just shout 'I'll get it!' when the bell rings. Everyone will know you mean the door.
Don't say 'Answer to'
Avoid adding 'to'. It's 'answer the door,' not 'answer to the door.'
Safety first
In English-speaking cities, it's perfectly polite to ask 'Who is it?' through the door before answering.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the common phrase.
I'm in the kitchen! Can you _______ the door?
'Answer the door' is the standard collocation for responding to a knock.
Which sentence is the most natural for a native speaker?
Someone is knocking.
We use 'answer' + 'the door' directly without prepositions.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: Why didn't you come to the party? B: I was at home, but I ________ because I was sleeping.
The past simple 'didn't answer' is used for a completed action in the past.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a formal office setting?
'Attending to the door' is the formal variation of 'answering the door.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to Say It
Casual
- • Get the door
- • Get it
Standard
- • Answer the door
Formal
- • Attend to the door
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI'm in the kitchen! Can you _______ the door?
'Answer the door' is the standard collocation for responding to a knock.
Someone is knocking.
We use 'answer' + 'the door' directly without prepositions.
A: Why didn't you come to the party? B: I was at home, but I ________ because I was sleeping.
The past simple 'didn't answer' is used for a completed action in the past.
Which phrase fits a formal office setting?
'Attending to the door' is the formal variation of 'answering the door.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's less common than 'answer the door.' It sounds a bit more specific to the sound.
No, it's just informal. It's fine to use with friends and family.
You can say 'I'm not answering the door' or 'Ignore the door.'
Usually, we say 'help the customer' or 'attend to the entrance' in a shop.
Yes, it is the standard phrase in all major varieties of English.
No. You 'open' a car door. You only 'answer' a door that has a bell or a knocker.
The past tense is 'answered the door.'
Yes, but parents often tell children 'Don't answer the door to strangers.'
Almost always 'the door' because you are responding to a specific door that is making noise.
'Answer' implies there is someone there waiting. 'Open' is just the movement.
Related Phrases
get the door
similarInformal way to say answer the door
answer the phone
similarTo pick up a calling phone
open the door
builds onThe physical act of opening
show someone to the door
contrastTo lead a guest out
keep the door ajar
specialized formLeave it slightly open
