anticipate a reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anticipate a reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you expect or look forward to receiving a response from someone, often in formal or professional communication. Example: "I have sent you the proposal and I anticipate a reply by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He said he often tweeted Ipswich players on match days to strike up a conversation but did not anticipate a reply when he wished Mings good luck.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Anticipate a response to the written appeal.

WikiHow

With texts or email, you typically don't anticipate an immediate response, so the person can reply at their own pace.

Vice

We anticipate a full recovery".

The New York Times

"I actually anticipate a long celebration".

The New York Times

When do they anticipate a recovery?

Forbes

They anticipate a launch within two years.

BBC

People anticipate a shallowness [from me].

Los Angeles Times

We anticipate a steadily increasing Net Worth.

Bplans

Try to anticipate a question.

WikiHow

I anticipate an accretion of Olympic action.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal communication, use "anticipate a reply" to convey a professional expectation of receiving a response to your message. This phrase is especially useful when setting deadlines or outlining next steps.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "anticipate a reply" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "expect to hear back" or "hope to hear from you" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anticipate a reply" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an expectation or prediction of receiving a response. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment, indicating the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "anticipate a reply" is grammatically correct and serves to express an expectation of receiving a response. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though its frequency is uncommon. It's best suited for formal contexts like business correspondence or news reporting. While widely acceptable, consider using simpler alternatives like "expect a response" in more casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the expectation of a response, as highlighted by Ludwig's example sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expect a response

Replaces "anticipate" with "expect", focusing on a general expectation of a response.

await a reply

Emphasizes the act of waiting for a reply, replacing "anticipate" with "await".

look forward to a response

Expresses a positive expectation, adding a sense of eagerness.

count on a reply

Indicates reliance on receiving a reply.

foresee a reaction

Focuses on predicting a reaction rather than just a reply.

predict a response

Highlights the act of predicting the response.

expect feedback

Uses "feedback" instead of "reply", implying a more detailed response.

presume a response

Suggests an assumption that a response will be given.

hope for a reply

Expresses a desire for a reply, rather than an expectation.

await further communication

Indicates waiting for any form of communication, not specifically a reply.

FAQs

How can I use "anticipate a reply" in a sentence?

You can use "anticipate a reply" in formal settings to express an expectation of receiving a response, such as "I have sent the documents and "anticipate a reply" within the next week".

What can I say instead of "anticipate a reply"?

Alternatives include "expect a response", "await a reply", or "look forward to a response", depending on the context and desired tone.

Is "anticipate a reply" too formal for casual communication?

Yes, "anticipate a reply" is generally considered too formal for casual communication. Simpler alternatives like "expect to hear back" are more appropriate.

What is the difference between "anticipate a reply" and "expect a reply"?

"Anticipate a reply" suggests a slightly stronger sense of foreknowledge or expectation than "expect a reply". Both are acceptable, but "anticipate" carries a slightly more formal tone.