a definite reply

USAGE SUMMARY

"a definite reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a firm, decisive answer. For example, "I asked my teacher for a definite reply about the project and she said it was due next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We got a definite reply that there is no such file in the archives, and there was no such file earlier.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, once again, I should like to be allowed sufficient time to hold further discussions with my colleague, Mr Nielson, in order to give a more definite reply.

EU Parlament

"I wanted a definite answer".

The New York Times - Health

GENERAL R. A. RUDENKO (Chief Prosecutor for the U.S.S.R .: Witness Lahousen, you have made definite replies to questions by Colonel Amen and I should like to have certain details.

Yale University

When asked whether he fancies "beefing up" for the superhero genre, Radcliffe replied with a definite "absolutely".

Independent

However, when Perkins was asked whether he would have still taken the role knowing that he would be typecast afterwards, he replied with a definite "yes".

Wikipedia

The answer is a definite maybe.

The Economist

W.U. said "How's business with you these days, huh?" Postal replied seriously "We've noticed a definite pickup in the last month".

The New Yorker

That is a definite.

The Guardian

A definite weakness.

The New York Times - Health

It's a definite improvement.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definite reply" when you want to emphasize that the answer you received or gave was clear, firm, and left no room for doubt. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts where clarity is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive" when you mean "definite". "Definitive" means conclusive and authoritative, while "definite" simply means clear and certain. A "definite reply" is clear; a "definitive study" is conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "definite" modifies the noun "reply". It describes the quality of the response being clear and unambiguous. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite reply" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a clear, unambiguous, and firm response. While not extremely common, as shown by Ludwig, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, science and academic settings. When using the phrase, ensure you aim to convey clarity and certainty in the response, avoiding confusion with the word "definitive". Consider alternatives like "a clear answer" or "a firm answer" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear answer

Focuses on the clarity of the response, omitting the directness implied by "reply".

a conclusive response

Emphasizes the finality and decisiveness of the answer.

an unequivocal answer

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the response.

a firm answer

Stresses the resoluteness and certainty behind the response.

a decisive answer

Implies that the answer settles a matter or resolves a question.

a categorical answer

Indicates an answer without conditions or exceptions.

a straight answer

Suggests honesty and directness in the response.

a direct response

Highlights the immediacy and lack of evasion in the answer.

a certain answer

Emphasizes the confidence and assurance in the answer.

a precise answer

Focuses on the exactness and accuracy of the information provided.

FAQs

What does "a definite reply" mean?

The phrase "a definite reply" indicates a clear, unambiguous, and firm answer or response to a question or request, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "a definite reply"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear answer", "a firm answer", or "a conclusive response" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a definite reply" or "a definitive reply"?

The choice depends on the intended meaning. "A definite reply" means a clear and certain answer, while "a definitive reply" (though less common) would imply a final and authoritative answer settling all doubts. Usually, "a definite reply" is the more appropriate choice.

How can I use "a definite reply" in a sentence?

Example: "I asked for a timeline and received "a definite reply": the project will be completed by Friday."