Differences between answer back and answer for
Answer back means to reply rudely or disrespectfully to someone who has authority over you, while answer for means to take responsibility for something that has happened or to be held accountable for an action.
Meanings and Definitions: answer back vs answer for
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Answer back
- 1To reply rudely to someone in authority.
Her mother was shocked when she started ANSWERING her BACK and refusing to help.
Answer for
- 1Be held responsible for a problem.
The government should be made to ANSWER FOR their failure to sort out the problem.
- 2Speak on behalf of someone or from knowing them.
I can ANSWER FOR my partner because I know her position on this issue.
Usage Examples: answer back, answer for in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
answer back
Example
The student answered back to the teacher, causing tension in the classroom.
Example
He always answers back when his parents ask him to do chores.
answer for
Example
The manager must answer for the team's poor performance.
Example
He answers for the mistakes made by his employees.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Answer back
talk back
To reply rudely or disrespectfully to someone who has authority over you.
Example
She got in trouble for talking back to her teacher during class.
To speak impudently or disrespectfully to someone in authority.
Example
He was grounded for a week after sassing his parents when they asked him to do his chores.
To reply rudely or disrespectfully to someone in authority, especially a parent or teacher.
Example
She was sent to her room for giving backchat to her mother when she was asked to clean her room.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Answer for
To be responsible for something and be required to explain or justify one's actions.
Example
As a manager, she knew she had to be accountable for the team's performance and results.
Differences in answer back vs answer for: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: answer back or answer for?
In everyday conversation, people use answer back more often than answer for. This is because answer back is used in situations where someone is being disrespectful or disobedient, which can happen frequently in daily interactions. Answer for is not used as much, but it's still a common phrase used when someone needs to take responsibility for their actions.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of answer back and answer for
Answer back and answer for are both informal phrases used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of answer back and answer for
The tone of answer back and answer for can differ based on context. Answer back often carries a negative or confrontational tone when someone is being rude or disrespectful. On the other hand, answer for typically has a more serious and responsible tone, especially when someone needs to take accountability for their actions.
answer back & answer for: Synonyms and Antonyms
Answer back
Synonyms
- retort
- rebut
- sass
- disrespect
- contradict
- counter
- talk back
- defy
