"answer back to" vs "answer back at"

Question

"answer back to" vs "answer back at"

Both 'answer back to' and 'answer back at' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Answer back to' is used when responding to someone's words or actions, while 'answer back at' is used when retaliating or responding aggressively. The choice between the two depends on the tone and intention of the response.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

This phrase is used when responding to someone's words or actions, especially in a conversation or argument.

Examples:

She always answers back to her critics with well-thought-out arguments.
I don't appreciate it when you answer back to me in that tone.

Alternatives:

respond to
reply to
talk back to
retort to
counter

This phrase is used when retaliating or responding aggressively to someone's words or actions.

Examples:

He answered back at his critics with a scathing attack on their credibility.
She always answers back at me whenever I criticize her.

Alternatives:

retaliate at
respond aggressively to
counterattack at
fight back at
react aggressively to

Answer 1

answer back to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

answer back at

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"answer back to" vs "answer back at"

answer back to

answer back at

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