What Should Count as a Grounded AI Answer?

An AI answer can point to the right document and still claim more than that document supports. So “it cited a source” may be too weak a test for using the answer in a work process.

Suppose a response must handle three cases: a source supports the claim, a source contradicts it, or the needed evidence is missing. What should a team check before trusting the response for a real task? Would you prioritize whether each claim matches its source, whether the system flags conflicting evidence, or whether it knows when to say “I can’t tell”?

The best standard may depend on the cost of a wrong answer—and on who will review it. What result would make you comfortable using the answer, and what would make you stop?