awaiting a reply

USAGE SUMMARY

"awaiting a reply" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that someone is waiting for a response or answer to a message or request. It can be used in any situation where a reply is expected. Example: "I sent an email to the company but am still awaiting a reply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

We're awaiting a reply".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're awaiting a reply," Darryl Seibel, a U.S.O.C. spokesman, said.

The New York Times

British officials said they were awaiting a reply.

The Guardian

You and three other broth-seekers look awkwardly at one another awaiting a reply.

The New York Times

Still awaiting a reply, they have now authorized their lawyer to sue if reconciliation fails.

The New York Times

I am still awaiting a reply to my phone and e-mail inquiries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He still awaits a reply.

The New York Times

"We eagerly await a reply from Amazon.

The Guardian - Books

I await a reply from the mayor's office.

The Guardian

Senator Schumer eagerly awaits a reply, hardly missing the forest for the trees.

The New York Times

In the second story he writes and mails his first letter and then anxiously awaits a reply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When time is of the essence, consider following up to politely check on the status if you are "awaiting a reply" for an extended period.

Common error

Avoid using "awaiting a reply" in highly informal settings; simpler phrases like "waiting to hear back" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awaiting a reply" functions as a participial phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a state of expectation or anticipation. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that someone is in the process of waiting for a response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awaiting a reply" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that someone is expecting a response. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear: someone is waiting for a response or answer to a message or request. The phrase sees frequent use across various news and media outlets, but also finds application in more formal and even scientific contexts. Alternatives such as "expecting a response" or "waiting for an answer" can be used, though they might carry a slightly different connotation of formality. It's important to ensure its use aligns with the register of the communication, making it a versatile phrase in numerous scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expecting a response

Focuses on the expectation rather than the waiting.

waiting to hear back

Simple and direct way of expressing the wait for a reply.

anticipating a response

Highlights the anticipation aspect of waiting.

waiting on a response

More colloquial way of saying "awaiting a response".

waiting for an answer

More direct and less formal than "awaiting a reply".

awaiting feedback

Specifically refers to waiting for feedback.

expecting an answer

Focuses on the expectation of receiving an answer.

on standby for a response

Implies readiness to act once the response is received.

holding out for a response

Implies a determined wait for a specific response.

looking forward to hearing back

More conversational and expresses anticipation.

FAQs

What does "awaiting a reply" mean?

The phrase "awaiting a reply" means that someone is waiting for a response or answer, typically to a message, request, or inquiry.

Is it better to say "awaiting a reply" or "waiting for a reply"?

"Awaiting a reply" is slightly more formal than "waiting for a reply". The best choice depends on the context, with "awaiting a reply" being suitable for professional or formal communication.

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

You can use alternatives like "expecting a response", "waiting for an answer", or "anticipating a response".

How do I politely inquire about a reply I am "awaiting a reply" for?

You can politely follow up by saying, "I am writing to check on the status of my previous email. I am still "awaiting a reply" regarding..."