a satisfactory reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a satisfactory reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that meets expectations or fulfills a requirement. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I was pleased to receive a satisfactory reply from the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Write detailing what you're claiming and say that if you don't get a satisfactory reply within 14 days you will take the matter up with the association (bar.co.uk – 01923 6994801923

Independent

Nor did he provide a satisfactory reply to critics who argued that the real promise of emerging markets lay in the middle of the pyramid.Preaching, not practicingThis impatience led to one of the few failures of Mr Prahalad's otherwise gravity-defying career.

The Economist

1938 Poles on Lithuanian Frontier WARSAW — More than 40,000 Polish troops were reported today [March 18] to be concentrated on the Lithuanian frontier, ready to march into Lithuania if the Kaunas government does not send a satisfactory reply to the Polish ultimatium before 9 p.m. tomorrow.

The New York Times

For the doxastic conception of delusions, the greatest challenge is to provide a satisfactory reply to the double-bookkeeping objection: if people truly believe the content of their delusions, why is their behavior often inconsistent with it?

SEP

Once a satisfactory reply and revisions from the researchers are received, approval is usually granted quickly.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But, the representative said: "Really, at this point, we haven't received any satisfactory reply".

The Guardian

A satisfactory answer evades me.

The New York Times

She thought this was a satisfactory answer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Neither Bloomberg nor Green could give me a satisfactory answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nobody has ever given me a satisfactory answer.

The New York Times - Sports

On stage I crumble, unable to give a satisfactory answer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a satisfactory reply" when you want to emphasize that a response meets the required expectations or resolves an issue effectively. It's suitable in formal correspondence or when assessing the quality of a response.

Common error

Avoid using "a satisfactory reply" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "okay" or "good" unless you're intentionally aiming for a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a satisfactory reply" functions as a noun phrase where "satisfactory" modifies "reply". It describes the quality of the reply, indicating that it meets certain requirements or expectations, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a satisfactory reply" is a phrase used to describe a response that meets expectations or adequately addresses a query. While grammatically correct and understandable, Ludwig AI indicates its frequency is relatively low, suggesting it's not an exceedingly common expression. Its usage leans towards formal and professional contexts, frequently appearing in news and media or scientific writing. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider alternative expressions. Overall, "a satisfactory reply" serves as a useful descriptor when you need to convey that a response is adequate and acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an acceptable answer

Suggests the response is agreeable or meets certain standards.

a sufficient response

Highlights that the reply is enough to fulfill the need or requirement.

an adequate answer

Emphasizes that the response is just good enough, meeting the minimum requirements.

a fitting response

Implies the reply is appropriate and suitable for the situation.

a complete response

Focuses on the reply's thoroughness and lack of omissions.

a fulfilling answer

Indicates the reply is satisfying and resolves the issue.

a convincing explanation

Focuses on the reply's ability to persuade or remove doubt.

a gratifying answer

Suggests the reply is pleasing and gives satisfaction.

a comprehensive answer

Highlights that the reply covers all aspects of the question thoroughly.

an affirmative response

Highlights that the reply is positive or confirms something.

FAQs

What does "a satisfactory reply" mean?

The phrase "a satisfactory reply" refers to a response that adequately meets the requirements, expectations, or needs of the person who asked for it. It implies that the answer is acceptable and resolves the matter at hand.

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

You might say, "We were hoping for "a satisfactory reply" to our complaint, but the company's response was vague and unhelpful", or "Once "a satisfactory reply" and revisions from the researchers are received, approval is usually granted quickly".

What are some alternatives to "a satisfactory reply"?

Alternatives to "a satisfactory reply" include phrases like "an adequate answer", "a sufficient response", or "an acceptable answer", depending on the specific context.

Is "a satisfactory reply" formal or informal?

"A satisfactory reply" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, phrases like "a good answer" or "an okay response" might be more appropriate.