an unambiguous reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unambiguous reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the need for a clear and straightforward response without any confusion or ambiguity. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, we require an unambiguous reply regarding your availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He had heard President Bush's challenge and had an unambiguous reply: "We are with you, not the terrorists".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

— now appears to have an unambiguous answer.

The New York Times

The opinion polls provide an unambiguous answer: jobs.

The Economist

The answer is an unambiguous no.

The New York Times

The answer was an unambiguous yes.

The New York Times

Experience tells us that the answer is an unambiguous yes.

The New York Times

The answer is an unambiguous yes.

Huffington Post

The answer to this question is an unambiguous no.

The Guardian

An advantage of quantitative methods is an unambiguous representation.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

P. called "an unambiguous deceleration" since last May.

The New York Times

Talk about an unambiguous end to innocence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unambiguous reply" when you want to emphasize the need for a clear and straightforward response without any room for misinterpretation. It conveys a sense of decisiveness and clarity.

Common error

While "an unambiguous reply" is correct, in casual conversations it may sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a clear answer" or "a direct response" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unambiguous reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "unambiguous" is an adjective modifying the noun "reply". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It describes a response that is clear, direct, and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unambiguous reply" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a clear and direct response that leaves no room for misinterpretation. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, the phrase is relatively rare in occurrence. Its primary function is to ensure clarity and eliminate confusion, often used in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve "an unambiguous reply" for situations where precision and clarity are crucial, and to consider less formal alternatives like "a clear answer" or "a direct response" in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear answer

Emphasizes clarity and easiness to understand, differing from the original by focusing more on the content than the manner of delivery.

a direct response

Highlights the straightforward and immediate nature of the reply, differing by focusing on the speed and lack of evasion.

a definitive answer

Focuses on the conclusiveness and finality of the reply, which implies the question is settled.

a conclusive response

Similar to 'definitive', but places emphasis on a response that settles an issue or debate.

a straightforward answer

Stresses the honesty and lack of complexity in the reply.

an explicit answer

Highlights the answer's clarity in expressing all relevant details without implication.

a plain answer

Emphasizes the simplicity and directness of the reply, without ornamentation or obfuscation.

a precise response

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the reply.

a categorical answer

Stresses the lack of conditions or exceptions in the reply, making it absolute.

a certain answer

Highlights the confidence and assurance behind the reply, making it reliable.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unambiguous reply" to emphasize the clarity and directness of a response. For instance: "In order to proceed with the project, we require "an unambiguous reply" regarding your availability."

What are some alternatives to "an unambiguous reply"?

Alternatives include "a clear answer", "a direct response", or "a definitive answer", depending on the context.

Is "an unambiguous reply" suitable for all types of communication?

While grammatically correct, "an unambiguous reply" may sound formal in casual settings. Consider your audience and the context to determine if a simpler alternative would be more appropriate.

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

"An unambiguous reply" emphasizes the lack of any possible misinterpretation, while "a clear response" simply highlights that the answer is easy to understand. The former is often more forceful.