a heated reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heated reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response that is emotionally charged, often indicating anger or strong feelings. Example: "After receiving the unfair criticism, she sent a heated reply to the editor, expressing her frustration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This generated a heated reply from Norris, in which he further elucidated the differences between the "divine light" of his own philosophy and that of the Quaker doctrines.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

My post about Mitch Daniels and the Iraq War generated some heated replies.

The New Yorker

The best response to a heated or insulting message is not to reply immediately.

Huffington Post

He replied, in part: I had a heated argument with a prominent N.Y.

The New York Times

Heat the peanut oil in a heated saucepan.

WikiHow

Stahl suggested it might be a "screaming match," and Allen replied, "I don't know about screaming, but I'm sure it'll be a heated discussion".

Huffington Post

A heated controversy ensued.

The Economist

A heated debate ensued.

The New York Times

"It's a heated debate.

The New York Times

A heated argument ensued.

The Guardian

A heated flush rose along my collarbone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heated reply" when you want to emphasize the emotional intensity or anger behind a response. It's suitable for describing situations where strong feelings are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a heated reply" in contexts that require neutrality or objectivity. Overusing emotionally charged language can undermine your credibility and make your writing seem biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heated reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "heated" is an adjective modifying the noun "reply". According to Ludwig AI, it describes a response characterized by strong emotion, often anger or indignation. This construction allows for concise expression of the emotional tone of the response.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heated reply" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, denoting a response filled with strong emotion or anger. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for describing situations involving conflict or intense feelings. While not extremely common, its appearance in news and academic sources suggests a neutral register. Alternatives like "an angry response" or "a fiery rebuttal" can be used depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, ensure that it fits the tone and objectivity required by the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an angry response

Focuses specifically on anger as the primary emotion.

an impassioned answer

Emphasizes the strong emotion and conviction behind the reply.

a fiery rebuttal

Suggests a more aggressive and energetic response.

a vehement reaction

Highlights the intensity and forcefulness of the reply.

an intense answer

Focuses on the deep emotion conveyed in the reply.

a spirited comeback

Implies resilience and strong reaction.

a passionate rejoinder

Conveys deep feeling and engagement in the response.

an emotional reaction

Highlights the reply’s strong emotional component.

a forceful response

Stresses the strength and directness of the reply.

a sharp retort

Indicates a quick and potentially cutting reply.

FAQs

How to use "a heated reply" in a sentence?

You can use "a heated reply" to describe a response filled with anger or strong emotion, such as, "After the accusations, she sent "a heated reply" to the committee."

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

Alternatives to "a heated reply" include "an angry response", "an impassioned answer", or "a fiery rebuttal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a heated reply" formal or informal?

"A heated reply" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate when describing situations involving conflict or strong emotions. Consider the context to ensure the tone is appropriate.

What's the difference between "a heated reply" and "an angry response"?

While both phrases describe responses filled with strong negative emotion, "a heated reply" suggests a more intense and potentially confrontational exchange, whereas "an angry response" simply conveys the presence of anger.