by replying

USAGE SUMMARY

"by replying" is a grammatically correct phrase and it can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the means or method by which something is done. Here is an example: "I was able to resolve the issue by replying promptly to the customer's email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Tech

Edgar cleverly wriggles out of it by replying: "Simon and Garfunkel, 1969...

The New York Times - Books

This should largely reduce the benefit of "top-posting" by replying to the first comment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Turbo Paul could have scuppered the undercover operations by replying to Harkin, he stressed, but he hadn't.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cruz also shut down Marco Rubio's accusation that he couldn't speak Spanish by replying to Rubio in Spanish.

Independent

Once signed up, you can shop from other "Chirpers" on Twitter, Instagram and soon Facebook by replying "buy".

The New York Times

The number of anyone who verified it by replying to the text message was sold to marketers.

The New York Times

Sharman, a chemist for Mars, won her place to go into space by replying to a radio advert - "Astronaut wanted.

The Guardian

Styles dismissed rumours he was dating Radio 1 host Nick Grimshaw in an interview with GQ magazine and answered claims he was bisexual by replying:"Bisexual?

Independent

Vitaly Borker, the founder of DecorMyEyes, an online optician, tried to generate publicity by replying abusively to dissatisfied customers, and even allegedly threatening some of them with violence.

The Economist

Pfizer's boss, Ian Read, didn't help when answering a question about breaking up AstraZeneca by replying, "We will conserve that optionality" (translation: we might).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by replying" to clearly indicate that a specific action or outcome is achieved through the act of responding. This emphasizes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between the response and the result.

Common error

Avoid using "by replying" repeatedly in a short paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by replying" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the means or method through which an action is accomplished. This grammatical structure, as Ludwig AI states, indicates that the action of replying directly leads to a particular result or outcome. It is a common way to express causality in a concise manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

19%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by replying" is a grammatically correct and very common gerund phrase used to indicate that an action or result is achieved through the act of responding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing causality and direct connection. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions, maintaining a neutral tone. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse in close proximity to maintain clarity and reader engagement. The phrase finds frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in response

Changes the verb to a noun and uses a prepositional phrase to indicate the action of responding.

upon answering

Uses a more formal verb and preposition to indicate the act of providing an answer.

through responding

Emphasizes the process of responding as the means of achieving something.

via a response

Focuses on the response itself as the method of communication.

with the answer

Highlights the content of the answer rather than the act of replying.

by making an answer

Replaces "replying" with a more descriptive phrase involving "making an answer".

answering back

Emphasizes the act of answering in return, often in a confrontational context.

in way of answering

Presents a response as a manner or method of answering.

offering a retort

Indicates a sharp or witty response, often in an argument.

providing feedback

Focuses on giving constructive criticism or information in response.

FAQs

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

You can use "by replying" to show how a response leads to a specific outcome. For example, "She secured the job by replying promptly to the interview invitation."

What are some alternatives to "by replying"?

Consider using alternatives such as "in response", "through responding", or "via a response" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Each of these alternatives, like "in response", "through responding", and "via a response", offers a slightly different emphasis on the method or nature of the response.

Is it correct to say "by responding" instead of "by replying"?

Yes, "by responding" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "by replying". The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference or the specific tone you wish to convey, because, in some contexts, they can be used as similar alternatives to the term "by answering".

What's the difference between "by replying" and "by commenting"?

"By replying" generally refers to responding directly to a specific message or query. "By commenting", on the other hand, typically implies adding a general remark or opinion to a discussion or post. The latter might refer to social media, while the former is more general and doesn't specify the medium where the response took place. If in doubt, consider reading a guide on "by commenting".