Still waiting for a reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Still waiting for a reply" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you are expecting a response from someone and have not yet received it. Example: "I sent the email yesterday and I'm still waiting for a reply." Alternative expressions include "Still awaiting a response" and "Still looking for a reply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We are still waiting for a reply.

The New York Times

They are still waiting for a reply.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dr. Anderson was still waiting for a reply.

The New York Times

An e-mail address was given, I wrote immediately, and I'm still waiting for a reply.

The New Yorker

Yet Serbia's neighbour, Montenegro, which has already applied for EU candidate status, is still waiting for a reply.

The Economist

The offer on the table, proposed in June 2008 and still waiting for a reply, allows Iran to claim the rights enjoyed by other states.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They are still waiting for a response.

The New York Times

I'm still waiting for a response.

Huffington Post

I'm still waiting for an answer.

The New York Times

(She is still waiting for an answer).

The New York Times

"We are still waiting for an answer".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate the specific duration of the wait (e.g. "two weeks later") to provide necessary context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid omitting the preposition 'for' in this phrase; saying "still waiting a reply" is grammatically incomplete and considered non-standard English.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Still waiting for a reply" typically functions as a present participial phrase. In many real-world examples found on Ludwig, it acts as an elliptical sentence where the subject and auxiliary verb are understood from context (e.g. "[I am] still waiting..."). It serves to modify a subject or describe an ongoing state of expectation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig data confirms that "Still waiting for a reply" is a highly reliable and versatile phrase used by the world's most prestigious publications. Whether appearing in investigative journalism or professional follow-ups, it clearly communicates that a thread of communication remains open. Ludwig AI highlights that while the phrase is grammatically standard, users can adjust its impact by choosing synonyms like "awaiting a response" for increased formality. Overall, it is an essential tool for expressing persistence in correspondence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Still awaiting a response

Elevates the formality, suitable for high-level professional correspondence

Yet to receive a reply

Shifts focus to the missing action of receiving rather than the act of waiting

Still expecting an answer

Implies a higher degree of necessity or entitlement to the information

Waiting for feedback

Common in creative, collaborative or educational contexts

Awaiting clarification

Specific to situations where the initial message was misunderstood or incomplete

Pending a response

Highly formal and often used in administrative or legal tracking

Still looking for a reply

Slightly more informal and active in its phrasing

Standing by for a reply

Suggests readiness to act immediately once the response arrives

Holding for an answer

Can imply a temporary pause in progress until information is received

Still waiting to hear back

A more conversational and natural phrasing for everyday business

FAQs

What can I say instead of "Still waiting for a reply"?

You can use more formal alternatives like "still awaiting a response" or "yet to receive a reply" depending on the tone you wish to convey.

Is it rude to use "Still waiting for a reply" in an email?

It is generally neutral, but if you want to sound softer, try "just following up on" or "checking in regarding" the previous message.

What is the difference between "waiting for a reply" and "waiting for a response"?

While often used interchangeably, a "reply" usually refers to a direct answer to a specific question, whereas a "waiting for a response" can refer to a broader reaction or action taken by the recipient.

Which is more common: "waiting for a reply" or "waiting for an answer"?

Both are common, but "waiting for an answer" is often used when a definitive 'yes' or 'no' is required, while "reply" is standard for general communication.