by reply

USAGE SUMMARY

"by reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an answer being given to a request or question. For example, "Please let me know the details by reply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It brought him little filial warmth by reply.

The Times

As if by reply, Kaepernick donated fifty thousand dollars to Meals on Wheels on Tuesday.

The New Yorker

So respond as if he were actually making amends: Say, by reply email, that you accept his apology, forgive him and wish him the best in his recovery.

The Washington Post

Each side was directed to file a brief by 4 on Tuesday afternoon, to be followed on Thursday afternoon by reply briefs.

The New York Times

The Daily Telegraph said legislation would be used to force higher-rate taxpayers to declare - in tax returns or by reply to a letter - of any child benefit claim.

Independent

On the Inside, Parts I, II and III by Reply All (ep 64, 65 and 66) Duration: 30, 35, 50 minutes Listen here / Subscribe here Come for the "correctional facility" calls, stay for the investigative storytelling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

And the passer-by replies, "what do you want to go there for, you can already do it!" Boom boom!

The Guardian - Sport

If your overlord approves of your request by replying with "unblock," you can use the phone.

The New York Times - Tech

>> by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.

Columbia University

Please give feedback by replying to this thread or posting to the boinc_dev email list.

University of California, Berkeley

We observed that a brand can capture substantially more value by replying right away.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting information, use "by reply" to clearly indicate that you expect a direct response to your communication. For example, "Please confirm your attendance by reply."

Common error

Avoid using "by reply" when the context doesn't clearly indicate a request for direct feedback. For instance, instead of saying "The issue was resolved by reply", which is unclear, specify how it was resolved: "The issue was resolved through a series of email exchanges."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by reply" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the method or means of communication. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and used across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by reply" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that specifies a direct response to a request or question. As Ludwig confirms, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, academia, and professional communications. While alternatives like "in response" exist, "by reply" clearly indicates the expectation of a direct answer. Pay attention to use the phrase in ambiguous context. Be sure to use it to clearly indicate that you expect a direct response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in response

Focuses on the act of answering or reacting to something.

as a response

Emphasizes that the action serves as an answer.

via return message

Specifies the medium through which the response is conveyed.

in answering

Highlights the action of providing an answer.

upon receiving the message

Indicates the action contingent to receiving.

returning a response

Similar to 'in response', but places emphasis on 'returning'.

in acknowledgment

Indicates a reply meant to confirm receipt or understanding.

through an answer

Highlights the use of an answer as a means of communication.

with a rejoinder

Implies a direct and often sharp or witty reply.

by means of a response

Formal way of expressing that something is done through a reply.

FAQs

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

You can use "by reply" to indicate a method of responding to a request or question, such as "Please confirm your attendance "by reply"" or "Send your completed form "by reply" email."

What are some alternatives to "by reply"?

Alternatives include "in response", "as a response", or "via return message". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. For example, you might say, "Please provide the information "in response" to this email."

Is "by reply" formal or informal?

"By reply" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal communication, particularly in professional settings. However, more formal alternatives like "in response" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "by reply" and "by responding"?

"By reply" refers to a direct answer or response. "By responding" emphasizes the act of providing a response, and is typically used when the focus is on the action itself rather than the specific method of replying.