ability to reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or capability to respond to a question or request. Example: "The software's ability to reply quickly to user queries is impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

What is different now is the rapidity of readers' response, and the critic's ability to reply with similar speed.

The Guardian

EPrompter has evolved to include some e-mail functions like the ability to reply and to set up an address book.

The New York Times - Tech

The new feature adds to your ability to reply directly to a fellow poster, by introducing indented replies, known as "threading", into comments.

The Guardian

Following feedback from the trial we've added the ability to reply to a reply, although we're maintaining a single level of indentation and we're grouping all replies chronologically below the original comment, which we hope will keep the conversation coherent.

The Guardian

One feature notably absent is the ability to reply to messages.

Forbes

e-mail has its advantages, among them the ability to reply to an e-mail with another e-mail.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

President Bush's re-election campaign blog, for instance, does not include a largely standard feature that most online journals have: the ability for readers to reply to the posts.

The New York Times

Why is there no ability for us to reply to the incorrect posts?

TechCrunch

The current app offers a combination of public and pre-released features, including the ability for users to reply, retweet, favorite and follow others directly from their Twitter timeline, which is a newer addition to the public release.

TechCrunch

It also introduced the ability to allow replying and chatting while users are watching a video, which gives the feature more of a real-time feel.

TechCrunch

The update also brings with it a few new features, like the ability to double-tap to reply, in-app profiles, and better tools for adding friends.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing features of software or applications, clearly state what actions the "ability to reply" enables the user to perform. For example, specify whether users can reply with text, images, or video.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to reply" when a more specific term like "ability to comment", "ability to react", or "ability to provide feedback" would be more precise. Using a more precise term can enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to reply" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the capacity or power to respond. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing features of apps, software, and social media platforms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to reply" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies the capacity or power to respond. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. When using this phrase, remember to be specific about the mode of replying (text, image, video) to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "capability to respond" or "capacity to answer", which may be more appropriate in certain formal settings. While versatile, remember its neutral register and avoid overly broad usage when more specific terms are available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capability to respond

Focuses on the general capacity to respond, similar to the original phrase.

capacity to answer

Emphasizes the potential or ability to provide an answer.

skill at responding

Highlights the skill level in responding.

aptitude for replying

Indicates a natural talent or aptitude for replying.

facility in responding

Suggests an ease and fluency in responding.

power to respond

Emphasizes the authority or control in replying.

right to reply

Indicates a justified or legal entitlement to respond.

option to respond

Highlights that there's a choice to reply.

chance to answer

Focuses on the opportunity to reply.

means to respond

Emphasizes the existence of a method for replying.

FAQs

What's a good way to rephrase "ability to reply"?

Consider using alternatives like "capability to respond", "capacity to answer", or "skill at responding", depending on the context.

How can I improve the clarity of sentences using "ability to reply"?

Specify the method of reply. For instance, is it the "ability to reply via text", "ability to reply with images", or "ability to reply using voice commands"?

Is "ability to reply" formal enough for professional writing?

Yes, "ability to reply" is suitable for professional writing. However, in some contexts, "capability to respond" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "ability to reply" and "right to reply"?

"Ability to reply" refers to the general capacity to respond, whereas "right to reply" implies a formal or legal entitlement to respond, particularly in response to criticism or accusations.