an official reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an official reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a formal response to a request, inquiry, or communication. Example: "We appreciate your patience and will provide you with an official reply within the next few business days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

(It wouldn't be surprising and, when happily bashing social workers, the press seldom mentions that ethical and legal confidentiality often restricts an official reply).

The Guardian

Yuri Chaika, Russia's prosecutor general, said in televised comments Wednesday that a request for assistance went out to the Americans three weeks ago and that he was waiting for an official reply.

The New York Times

In an official reply to queries by opposition parties in the German Parliament, the government said on nearly every count that either it had no reliable information or that the information it did have was confidential.

The New York Times

If the user name is not at the very beginning of the message, the tweet shows up in the feeds of all the person's followers because Twitter does not consider it to be an official reply.

The New York Times - Tech

4.10pm BST A White House petition to pardon Edward Snowden, who has been charged with three felonies so far, has garnered more than 100,000 signatures, the threshold for earning an official reply.

The Guardian

Stevens Mokgalapa, shadow deputy minister of international relations, said he is still waiting for an official reply on whether the government knew about the presence of mercenaries in Libya.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Asked why Mr. Struck made a statement that seemed bound to raise questions about the firmness of Germany's position, an official replied that Mr. Struck's remark was largely theoretical to the effect that nobody could say for certain what might happen if conditions were to change.

The New York Times

Asked why Mr. Struck made a statement that seemed bound to raise questions about the firmness of Germany's position, an official replied that Mr. Struck's remark was a largely theoretical one to the effect that nobody can say for certain what might happen if conditions change.

The New York Times

The FIA has made it clear it believes the pass was legal but Ferrari have not yet received any official reply.

BBC

Internet video creator/vlogger garners support after accusing $260 billion social media giant of using unethical practices and earns a seemingly official reply comment on his blog post from a mid-level employee at said company.

TechCrunch

"That is not necessarily a relevant question," an FCO official replied.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an official reply" when you want to emphasize the authority or legitimacy of the response being provided.

Common error

Avoid using "an official reply" in casual or informal conversations. It's more appropriate for formal settings such as business correspondence, legal documents, or governmental communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an official reply" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a formal response or answer, usually from an authoritative source. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase implies a degree of formality and authority.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an official reply" is a noun phrase denoting a formal response, typically from an authoritative source. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in professional contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific publications. While the phrase is considered common, users should reserve it for formal settings to avoid overuse in casual conversations. Related phrases include "a formal response" and "a written statement", which can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formal response

Replaces "official reply" with more generic terms, focusing on the formality of the response.

a formal answer

Similar to "formal response", but emphasizes the act of answering a question or inquiry.

a written statement

Highlights the written nature of the response, suitable when documentation is key.

a formal communication

Emphasizes the communication aspect of the response, useful in broader contexts.

a government response

Specifies that the response originates from a government entity.

a corporate statement

Indicates the response comes from a corporation or business.

a prepared statement

Highlights that the response was carefully prepared in advance.

a documented response

Emphasizes that the reply is formally recorded and available for review.

an authorized statement

Focuses on the authorization behind the statement, implying official approval.

a sanctioned response

Implies that the response has been officially approved or sanctioned by a higher authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "an official reply" to describe a formal response from an organization or authority. For example, "We are still waiting for "a formal response" from the government regarding the proposed changes".

What is another way to say "an official reply"?

Alternatives to "an official reply" include "a formal response", "a formal answer", or "a written statement".

When is it appropriate to use "an official reply"?

It is appropriate to use "an official reply" when referring to a formal, documented response from an organization, government, or authority. This is typically in situations where a written or otherwise documented response is required.

What's the difference between "an official reply" and "a response"?

"An official reply" implies a formal, often written response from an authority or organization. "A response" is a more general term that can refer to any answer or reaction, whether formal or informal.