affirmative reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affirmative reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate a positive or yes response to a question or request. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, we are pleased to give an affirmative reply to your request for funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There is an Indian word, okeh, used as an affirmative reply to a question.

The Economist

Euphemisms like "long-term process" and "nothing happens overnight" are uttered as stand-ins for a simple affirmative reply.

The New York Times

So, on room draw morning, he was the one to whom I sent the text: "Did we get it?" The affirmative reply came quickly.

Princeton University

The major defense of an affirmative reply to (Q2) may be called the "Argument from Experience".

SEP

Therefore, the present paper is devoted to giving an affirmative reply to the question.

Boundary Value Problems

The affirmative reply to this rhetorical question presupposes clear detachment from the traditional relationship with the utopia.

City, Territory and Architecture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The other possibility that these young respondents may have given some affirmative replies without really understanding the content of the questions or without knowledge of its implications just to satisfy the interviewer in the form of a person of authority cannot be denied.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

I sent out about 200 letters and received about eight neutral-to-affirmative replies.

Science Magazine

Persons who replied "Y", "yes" or some other affirmative response by SMS were sent a follow-up message soliciting details regarding the possible AEFI they reported experiencing.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Affirmative written replies were received from 28 patients.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

"Want to play?" the boy asks, to which the robot, quite naturally, replies, "Affirmative!" Boy and robot, who looks like the Tin Man crossed with a squat red rocket ship, gambol about outside until the robot mysteriously stops functioning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "affirmative reply" in formal or professional settings to clearly convey agreement or confirmation. Ensure the context requires a direct and unambiguous response.

Common error

Avoid using "affirmative reply" in casual conversations where simpler terms like "yes" or "okay" are more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affirmative reply" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object of a verb. It indicates a positive response or agreement. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "affirmative reply" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to indicate a positive answer or agreement, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's most suited for formal and professional contexts, such as business communications, legal documents, and academic papers. While alternatives like "yes" or "positive response" exist for less formal settings, "affirmative reply" provides a more direct and unambiguous confirmation. Its frequent occurrence in news media, scientific publications, and academic writings underscores its reliability. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where a clear and formal agreement is necessary to avoid sounding unnatural in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Positive response

Emphasizes the positive nature of the answer, focusing on the sentiment conveyed.

Yes answer

A more direct and straightforward alternative, suitable for informal settings.

Agreement

Highlights the act of agreeing with a statement or proposal.

Confirmation

Focuses on verifying the truth or accuracy of something.

Assent

A more formal term for agreement, often used in legal or official contexts.

Affirmation

Stresses the positive declaration or assertion of something.

Favorable response

Highlights the beneficial or advantageous nature of the reply.

Acceptance

Emphasizes the act of receiving or approving something.

Endorsement

Suggests a stronger form of approval or support.

Ratification

A formal term for confirming or approving something, often used in legal or political contexts.

FAQs

What does "affirmative reply" mean?

An "affirmative reply" is a formal way of saying "yes" or indicating agreement with a statement or question. It signifies a positive response.

When should I use "affirmative reply" instead of "yes"?

Use "affirmative reply" in formal contexts, such as business correspondence, legal documents, or official reports. In casual conversation, "yes" is generally more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "affirmative reply"?

You can use alternatives like "positive response", "yes answer", or "agreement", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "affirmative reply" the same as "affirmative response"?

Yes, "affirmative reply" and "affirmative response" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both indicate a positive answer or agreement.