a favorable reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a favorable reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are requesting a positive response or agreement from someone, often in formal or business communication. Example: "We look forward to your favorable reply regarding our proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In other words, I should expect to receive my certificate six to eight weeks after the problem, assuming a favorable reply.

The New York Times - Travel

If you receive a favorable reply, suggest having lunch together in a restaurant; perhaps one that holds special memories.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Closing with a statement such as "Best wishes," "Good luck," or "Thanks in advance for your help," can soften even a harsh email and can elicit a more favorable reply.

WikiHow

She experienced a favorable response.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

We hope that you and your Board share our enthusiasm, and we look forward to a prompt and favorable reply.

TechCrunch

It is recorded that when Clara Barton's plea to President Chester Arthur to sign the First Geneva Convention (establishing the International Red Cross), Arthur's favorable reply was referred to this committee and Johnston was named as one of the members.

Wikipedia

Asked whether he hoped for a favorable ruling, he replied, "We brought the case because we were hopeful".

The New York Times

A favorable sign".

The New York Times - Books

Defense and a favorable schedule.

The New York Times

I cut him a favorable deal".

The New York Times

The odds are against a favorable verdict.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a formal email or letter, ending with a phrase like "We await your favorable reply" can politely express your expectation of a positive response.

Common error

Avoid using "a favorable reply" in informal or casual contexts. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct expressions of hope for a positive response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a favorable reply" functions as a noun phrase, where 'favorable' modifies the noun 'reply'. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It anticipates a positive or agreeable response.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a favorable reply" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys anticipation of a positive response. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for formal contexts such as business correspondence and official communications. While it's not incorrect to use in other contexts, it may come across as overly formal in everyday settings. Consider alternatives like "positive response" or "approval" for more casual situations. Its use is concentrated in news, wiki, and science domains. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure your intended tone matches the formality of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a positive response

Replaces 'favorable' with 'positive', keeping the meaning of an affirmative answer.

an affirmative answer

Substitutes both 'favorable' and 'reply' with synonyms that emphasize agreement.

a satisfactory answer

Focuses on the response meeting expectations or requirements.

a welcoming response

Highlights the receptive and agreeable nature of the reply.

an encouraging answer

Emphasizes the positive and supportive aspect of the response.

a supportive response

Focuses on the helpful and approving nature of the reply.

a promising answer

Indicates that the reply suggests a positive future outcome.

a green light

An idiomatic expression signifying approval or permission.

the go-ahead

Another idiomatic phrase indicating permission or approval to proceed.

approval

A single-word replacement that directly conveys agreement or positive endorsement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a favorable reply" in sentences like: "We are hoping for "a favorable reply" to our proposal", or "We look forward to receiving "a favorable reply" soon".

What is a more casual way to ask for a positive response?

Instead of "a favorable reply", you could say "a positive answer", "a yes", or "good news" depending on the context. For example: "I hope to hear "good news" from you soon" is more informal.

What does "favorable" mean in the context of "a favorable reply"?

In this context, "favorable" means positive, approving, or beneficial. It suggests that the reply is likely to be in agreement with what was asked or proposed.

Are there any synonyms for "a favorable reply" that are suitable for business communication?

Yes, some synonyms for "a favorable reply" suitable for business communication include "a positive response", "an affirmative answer", or "approval". These alternatives maintain a professional tone.