SpeakUp

Grammar fix

answer a question

respond

To give a reply or information when someone asks you something.

collocationB1core

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She raised her hand to answer a question during the lesson.communication
  • In the IELTS speaking test, it's important to answer a question clearly and give examples from your own experience.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: answer a/the question

WrongCan you answer to my question?

RightCan you answer my question?

'Answer' takes the object directly — no 'to'.

Patternanswer a/the question

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Kindly provide a response to my inquiry.

Natural Can you answer my question?

'Provide a response to my inquiry' is customer-service formal; natives just 'answer a question'.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • answer a question
    a questionhonestlystraightfully

Don't confuse it

Do not confuse with 'ask a question,' which means to request information.

Try it in Daily Speak →