an early reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an early reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting a prompt response to a message or inquiry. Example: "I would appreciate an early reply to my email regarding the meeting schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Thanking you for an early reply.

The New Yorker

Thanking you for an early reply... View Article By Rivka Galchen By T.

The New Yorker

I do hope that you will be able to let me have an early reply on these issues.

The Guardian

In an early reply to Rawls, Crocker explains the value of paying attention to the relative position as a way of understanding the value of solidarity.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Will you appoint a Special Prosecutor (ideally Patrick Fitzgerald) to independently investigate the gravest crimes of the Bush administration, including torture and warrantless wiretapping?" Instead of having Obama respond to Fertik's question, change.gov posted an earlier reply from Joe Biden who had said, "President-elect Obama and I are not sitting thinking about the past..

Huffington Post

Awaiting your early reply I remain yours Truly Y 5180 Pte H S Lovett 2nd Sub Dept 1st B & D Tocumwal NSW He didn't even get a response.

The Guardian - Sport

That is, a no-reply followed an earlier yes-reply.

Behavior Genetics

Asked if he would have taken the congressman to Libby Prison in Richmond; Early replied that he would have hanged Stevens and divided his bones among the Confederate states.

Wikipedia

Essex then recovered from the loss of an early wicket to reply with 199-4.

BBC

May we hope, therefore, that Sir Edward Grey will take an early opportunity of replying to the Chancellor in view of the disclaimer already mentioned".

The Economist

Showbiz legend has it that the title came about during chaotic out-of-town rehearsals when the leading man, William Gaxton, was asked if he would object to making an early entrance and replied, "In this kind of a spot, anything goes!" And so it does.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting information, use "an early reply" to politely convey the importance of a prompt response. This phrase is suitable for formal and professional communications where timeliness is valued.

Common error

While polite, overusing "an early reply" in every communication can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using alternatives like "a prompt response" or "a timely answer" to maintain a professional and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an early reply" functions as a polite request for a prompt response. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct phrase used to encourage a timely answer to an inquiry.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an early reply" is a grammatically sound and polite way to request a timely response in professional communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples of its use in news, scientific, and business contexts. While effective, it's essential to vary your language to avoid overuse and consider specifying deadlines for urgent requests. Remember that alternatives like "a prompt response" or "a swift answer" can add nuance to your communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prompt response

Emphasizes the speed of the response rather than the reply itself.

a swift answer

Highlights the quickness of the answer provided.

a timely response

Focuses on the appropriateness of the timing of the response.

a quick acknowledgement

Stresses the speed of acknowledging the initial communication.

an expedited answer

Indicates a faster than usual process for providing an answer.

a fast turnaround

Focuses on the speed with which a task or request is completed and returned.

an immediate feedback

Emphasizes the immediacy of the feedback provided.

a speedy resolution

Highlights the quickness of resolving an issue or query.

a rapid communication

Stresses the speed of conveying information.

an accelerated response

Suggests that the response is faster than the standard or expected pace.

FAQs

What does "an early reply" mean?

The phrase "an early reply" means you are requesting someone to respond to your inquiry or message as soon as possible.

What can I say instead of "an early reply"?

You can use alternatives like "a prompt response", "a swift answer", or "a timely response" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an early reply" in formal emails?

Yes, "an early reply" is generally appropriate for formal emails when you need a response quickly. However, ensure the overall tone of your email remains polite and professional.

How urgent is "an early reply"?

The urgency implied by "an early reply" is moderate. For more urgent requests, consider stating a specific deadline. For less urgent requests, alternatives like "at your convenience" may be more suitable.