a definitive reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definitive reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are seeking a clear and conclusive answer to a question or issue. Example: "After much deliberation, we finally received a definitive reply from the committee regarding our proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To the sceptic who asks, "Who says that individuals have these rights?" the argument of experience about the minimum required for a chance of human flourishing, and the vividly recent history of circumstances in which millions were regarded as not having any such rights, is a definitive reply.

The Guardian - Opinion

the average speed of response to requests, that is, the average delay before a requester receives a definitive reply; and the cost of providing the service, for example, the coordinator's time, the infrastructure required.

Global Health Action

As far as the performance of the network as a whole is concerned, important metrics include: the average speed of response to requests, that is, the average delay before a requester receives a definitive reply; and the cost of providing the service, for example, the coordinator's time, the infrastructure required.

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He never settled on a definitive answer.

The New York Times - Arts

– now has a definitive answer: both.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nobody could provide a definitive answer".

The Guardian

Cameron could not give a definitive answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nobody can give a definitive answer.

BBC

Pressed for a "definitive" answer, Perry continued: "Well, I don't have a definitive answer, because he's never seen my birth certificate". "But you've seen his," the interviewer replied.

Los Angeles Times

There is a definitive answer.

Huffington Post

Is there a definitive answer?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definitive reply" when you want to emphasize that the answer is not open to further discussion or debate. It suggests a sense of finality and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a definitive reply" in contexts where opinions or subjective judgments are involved. A definitive response is more appropriate for factual matters than personal preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definitive reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "definitive" modifies the noun "reply". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and signifies a clear and conclusive answer. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use in formal contexts, emphasizing the finality of the response.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definitive reply" is a grammatically correct phrase used to convey a clear, conclusive, and final answer. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies a clear and conclusive answer. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and science domains, suitable for formal and professional communication. When using this phrase, remember it is more appropriate in factual matters than in scenarios involving subjective opinions. Alternatives such as "a conclusive response" or "a final answer" can be used to achieve similar emphasis on the resolution. Keep in mind that this expression should be used when finality and clarity are crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conclusive response

Replaces "definitive" with "conclusive", emphasizing the final and decisive nature of the response.

a final answer

Substitutes "reply" with "answer" and "definitive" with "final", highlighting the end of discussion.

a clear answer

Focuses on the clarity of the response, rather than its decisiveness.

an unequivocal answer

Emphasizes the unambiguous nature of the answer.

a firm response

Highlights the strength and certainty of the reply.

a decisive response

Similar to "definitive", but emphasizes the act of making a decision.

a categorical response

Indicates a response that admits no exceptions or conditions.

a positive affirmation

Focuses on a confirming or agreeing response.

a precise answer

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the response.

an official statement

Implies a formal and authoritative response from an organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definitive reply" to describe a clear and final answer to a question or request. For instance, "The company issued "a definitive reply" to the lawsuit, denying all allegations."

What are some alternatives to "a definitive reply"?

Alternatives to "a definitive reply" include phrases like "a conclusive response", "a final answer", or "a clear answer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "definitive answer" or "definitive reply"?

Both "definitive answer" and "definitive reply" are correct. The choice depends on the context; "reply" suggests a direct response to a question or request, while "answer" is more general.

When is it appropriate to use "a definitive reply" in formal writing?

"A definitive reply" is suitable for formal writing when conveying a sense of finality and authority. It is appropriate in business, legal, and academic contexts where clarity and decisiveness are valued.