answer a question — respond
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcore
To give a reply or information when someone asks you something.
Say it like a native
Textbook Kindly provide a response to my inquiry.
Native Can you answer my question?
'Provide a response to my inquiry' is customer-service formal; natives just 'answer a question'.
Pattern: answer a/the question
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ Can you answer to my question?
✓ Can you answer my question?
'Answer' takes the object directly — no 'to'.
Common collocations
answer a question— a question, honestly, straight, fully
Don't confuse it
Do not confuse with 'ask a question,' which means to request information.