reply
B1Neutral to formal (depending on context). Common in both spoken and written communication.
Definition
Meaning
To say or write something as an answer or response to something said, written, or done.
To react to a stimulus or situation; to correspond to something in action or character.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a direct correspondence to a prior statement or question. Can denote an official, written response.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'respond' might be preferred in more formal contexts. In British English, 'reply' is used consistently across registers. The preposition 'to' after 'reply' ('reply to') is standard in both variants.
Connotations
Neutral in both variants. Slightly more formal than 'answer' but less formal than 'respond'.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
reply (to somebody/something)reply (with something)reply that-clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a reply in the affirmative/negative”
- “leave a message and I'll get back to you”
- “hold your reply”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in emails and official correspondence: 'We await your reply by COB.'
Academic
Used to discuss responses in discourse: 'The author's reply to criticism was published.'
Everyday
Common in conversation: 'I texted her but got no reply.'
Technical
In computing: 'The server failed to send a reply.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- I received a swift reply from the council.
- His only reply was a shrug.
- In reply to your query...
American English
- I got a quick reply from the company.
- Her only reply was a nod.
- In reply to your question...
verb
British English
- He didn't reply to my enquiry.
- I must reply to this invitation by post.
- She replied that she was unavailable.
American English
- He didn't reply to my email.
- I need to reply to this invitation ASAP.
- She replied, "That won't be possible."
adverb
British English
- He smiled replyingly.
American English
- He nodded in reply.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please reply to my message.
- I am waiting for her reply.
- He replied 'yes'.
- She replied to my email immediately.
- The company issued a formal reply.
- I asked him twice but got no reply.
- His witty reply left everyone laughing.
- The minister's evasive reply failed to satisfy the journalists.
- You are obliged to reply to the allegations.
- The author penned a scathing reply to his critics.
- The device is programmed to reply to specific audio frequencies.
- Her actions were a tacit reply to his proposal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-ply: to 'ply' (apply yourself) again towards the original speaker.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION IS A GAME OF CATCH (you throw a question, I throw back a reply).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'reply' without 'to' as in Russian 'ответить письмо'. English requires 'reply to a letter'.
- Don't confuse with 'replay' (to play again).
Common Mistakes
- He didn't replied (incorrect) -> He didn't reply (correct).
- I will reply him (incorrect) -> I will reply to him (correct).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'reply' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. In very formal writing, 'respond' might be slightly preferred.
'Answer' is broader and can be used for solutions to problems. 'Reply' specifically refers to a response in a conversational or written exchange.
Always 'reply to me'. 'Reply' is intransitive here and requires the preposition 'to' before the object.
Yes, it is commonly used as both a verb ('to reply') and a noun ('a reply').