able to reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating someone's capability to respond to a question or message. Example: "I hope you are able to reply to my email by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What was he talking about?" Ah, I was able to reply.

Independent

"Zinger I love it," was all he felt able to reply.

Independent

They sustained serious damage and casualties without being able to reply effectively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because of the volume of requests, we may not be able to reply immediately.

The New York Times

It's a rare thrill to be able to reply, "Help yourself, it's all free".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But all parties to the case will be able to reply in court.

The New York Times

If someone posts a comment, business owners will be able to reply with a private message.

The Guardian

Corbyn had used all six of his questions and was not able to reply.

The New Yorker

We are able to reply only to those whose contributions we are going to use.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And she apologized for not being able to reply to all the well-wishers.

The Washington Post

This way, the signal would be stronger and perhaps be able to reply within a lifetime.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to reply" to clearly indicate the capacity or possibility of someone responding to a question, message, or communication. It effectively conveys the subject's capability to provide a response.

Common error

Avoid using "able to reply" when you actually mean someone is willing to reply. "Able" indicates capacity, while willingness implies intent. Choose your words carefully to reflect the correct meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to reply" functions as an infinitive phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the capacity or possibility of performing the action of replying. It specifies the condition or capability to respond to something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to reply" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the capacity or possibility of responding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it fits well across diverse contexts, from news reporting to academic papers. It is essential to distinguish between the capability (being "able") and the willingness to respond, and related phrases such as "capable of responding" or "ready to answer" can offer nuance. With its neutral register and widespread usage, "able to reply" remains a reliable choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of responding

Replaces "able" with "capable", emphasizing inherent ability.

in a position to respond

Indicates a situation where responding is feasible.

prepared to answer

Highlights readiness and willingness to provide an answer.

ready to answer

Focuses on the state of being prepared to give an answer.

has the capacity to respond

Emphasizes having the necessary capacity to provide a response.

in a state to respond

Suggests that the subject's condition allows for a response.

free to respond

Implies there are no restrictions preventing a response.

permitted to answer

Indicates that the subject has permission to respond.

allowed to answer

Similar to 'permitted', suggesting authorization to respond.

authorized to respond

Highlights that the ability to respond comes from an authorization.

FAQs

How can I use "able to reply" in a sentence?

You can use "able to reply" to indicate someone's capacity to respond. For example, "Because she was traveling, she wasn't "able to reply" to my email immediately".

What are some alternatives to "able to reply"?

Alternatives to "able to reply" include "capable of responding", "in a position to respond", or "ready to answer" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "able to reply"?

Yes, "able to reply" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English. Ludwig AI confirms it as a correct and usable phrase.

What's the difference between "able to reply" and "willing to reply"?

"Able to reply" refers to the capacity or possibility of responding, while "willing to reply" indicates a readiness or desire to respond. They are not interchangeable; use the one that accurately reflects the situation.