an authoritative reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an authoritative reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is considered reliable, credible, or official in nature. Example: "The committee issued an authoritative reply to the concerns raised by the community, clarifying their position on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I cannot give an authoritative reply but I think and hope that the surprises this time round will be for positive reasons.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the parents want to hear a more authoritative reply with respect to developmental psychology of children, then the following from Howard Gardner, Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education, is one of the best: This is an important area of science, with particular significance for a developmental psychologist like me.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Credibility: Crucially, who are these guys and what assurance do we have that they are a credible platform to provide an authoritative and credible platform for a right-of-reply?

The Guardian

What might an authoritative woman sound like?

The New Yorker

Chappell is an authoritative source.

The Guardian - Sport

There's an authoritative arrogance about them.

The Guardian - Arts

They all maintain an authoritative, boring persona".

The New York Times

Read this for an authoritative accounting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Groh is an authoritative, assured player.

The Washington Post

It was an authoritative performance, evenhanded and self-contained.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not always an authoritative museum," Ms. Greenwald said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an authoritative reply", ensure that the context supports the idea of the response coming from a credible and knowledgeable source. This lends weight to the information being conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "an authoritative reply" if the source of the response lacks genuine authority or expertise on the subject matter. Overstating the authority can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an authoritative reply" functions as a noun phrase where "authoritative" modifies the noun "reply", indicating the response is coming from a reliable and credible source. Ludwig AI provides examples where this phrase appears in various contexts, affirming its correct usage.

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, the phrase "an authoritative reply" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a response that carries weight due to the expertise or credibility of its source. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers examples from news and scientific domains. While less common, it effectively conveys that the reply is trustworthy and well-informed, suitable for professional and academic contexts. Consider alternatives like "a definitive answer" or "an official response" to fine-tune your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official response

Indicates that the reply comes from a recognized authority or institution.

an irrefutable reply

Indicates that the response cannot be disproven or argued against.

a definitive answer

Emphasizes the finality and conclusiveness of the response.

a reliable response

Highlights the dependability and accuracy of the given answer.

a conclusive response

Highlights that the response settles the matter beyond dispute.

an expert response

Suggests the answer is provided by someone with deep knowledge in the field.

a credible answer

Focuses on the believability and trustworthiness of the response.

a clear and convincing answer

Emphasizes both the clarity and persuasiveness of the reply.

a well-supported response

Highlights that the answer is backed by evidence and reasoning.

a substantiated answer

Focuses on the factual basis and verification of the response.

FAQs

How can I use "an authoritative reply" in a sentence?

Use "an authoritative reply" when you want to emphasize that a response is credible and comes from a knowledgeable source. For example: "The expert provided "an authoritative reply" to the complex question during the conference."

What are some alternatives to "an authoritative reply"?

You can use alternatives like "a definitive answer", "an official response", or "a credible answer" depending on the specific context and the aspect of the reply you want to emphasize.

In what contexts is "an authoritative reply" most appropriate?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where the credibility and expertise behind a response are important, such as in academic, professional, or journalistic writing. It's especially useful when discussing responses from experts, officials, or recognized sources.

Is "an authoritative reply" the same as "an authoritarian reply"?

No, these phrases have very different meanings. "An authoritative reply" refers to a response from a credible and knowledgeable source. "An authoritarian reply", on the other hand, implies a response given in a domineering or dictatorial manner, focusing on enforcing power rather than providing accurate information.