a clear reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or describing a response that is straightforward and easy to understand. Example: "I appreciate your efforts, but I need a clear reply to my question to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr. Orban said that when asked whether expansion of the bloc was in its interest, "the heads of the member states are not giving a clear reply to this question".

The New York Times

Despite asking the new minister and his team repeatedly about its status, FJI did not receive a clear reply.

Science Magazine

"We welcome the reply because it was a clear reply to answer to our strong, reiterated appeal.

BBC

Of course, some of the successful petitions did receive both a clear reply and action.

Huffington Post

This is all very well, but it can and must also make proposals on content, in response to those questions which the citizens often ask without receiving a clear reply.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The FAA will handle disclosure of such information in accordance with the December 15 , 2015Federal Register notice". Not considering this a clear answer, I replied, "my reading of the DOT policy is that if someone requests the name and address of a drone registrant the information will be released by the FAA.

Forbes

But those who e-mail a company with a problem expect a quick, clear reply; and plenty of others want to speak to a human being.

The Economist

The Palestinian side has not issued a clear-cut reply, forwarding instead a list of questions and objections.

The New York Times

The Palestinian side did not issue a clear-cut reply, forwarding instead a list of questions and objections.

The New York Times

A straight honest clear reply would be appreciated.

BBC

A first answer can be based on fig.12, showing a scatterplot, after column centering of the outdoor data (humidity versus temperature) during our measurement campaign; a not so clear reply can be given considering the indoor data.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional correspondence, using phrases like "I look forward to a clear reply" can set expectations for a comprehensive response.

Common error

Don't ask vague questions that lead to unclear responses. Formulate your inquiries precisely to elicit "a clear reply" that addresses your specific needs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear reply" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., receive, expect, issue). Ludwig AI indicates that it describes a response that is easily understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clear reply" is a noun phrase that describes a response that is easy to understand and free from ambiguity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communication. While not extremely frequent, it is a useful phrase for setting expectations and emphasizing the need for clarity in communication. To ensure effective communication, phrase your questions specifically to increase the likelihood of receiving "a clear reply". Alternatives such as "an unambiguous response" or "a straightforward answer" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward answer

Focuses on the directness and simplicity of the reply.

an unequivocal reply

Emphasizes the absence of doubt or reservation in the response.

an unambiguous response

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or vagueness in the reply.

an explicit answer

Stresses that the response is expressed directly and without implication.

a lucid response

Indicates that the reply is easy to understand due to its clarity of presentation.

a definite answer

Emphasizes the decisiveness and certainty of the response, rather than its clarity.

a precise answer

Highlights accuracy and exactness in the response.

a direct response

Focuses on the immediacy and lack of intermediaries in the answer.

a plain answer

Highlights simplicity and lack of complexity in the response.

a categorical answer

Highlights the absence of conditions or exceptions in the response.

FAQs

How can I ensure I receive "a clear reply"?

Ask specific and well-defined questions. The more precise your question, the easier it is for someone to provide "a clear reply".

What's the difference between "a clear reply" and "a definite answer"?

"A clear reply" emphasizes understandability and lack of ambiguity, while "a definite answer" stresses certainty and decisiveness. You can use both alternatives depending on your intent.

What are some alternative phrases for "a clear reply"?

You can use phrases like "an unambiguous response", "a straightforward answer", or "an explicit answer" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to seek "a clear reply"?

While clarity is often desirable, sometimes ambiguity is intentional or unavoidable. However, in most professional and academic contexts, "a clear reply" is preferred for effective communication.