cordial reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cordial reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a polite and friendly response to a message or inquiry. Example: "I appreciate your cordial reply to my request for information; it was very helpful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He wrote a cordial reply saying that he seldom worked there now, but he was sure something could be arranged.

The New York Times - Magazine

Last week a cordial reply was published from a senior church spokesman; it partly concurred with Mr Zyuganov's sentiments, agreeing that at grave moments in history, broad coalitions had worked together for the good of the Russian state.Such emollient exchanges between Russian communists and churchmen are not as surprising as you might think.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If she replies with short, but cordial, responses that often in with just a period and no emphasis on anything, then she probably doesn't want to be messaging/writing you.

WikiHow

The response was cordial but evasive.

The New Yorker

(Years later, Mailer wondered that they should be so cordial, since they had nothing in common. " 'Nothing in common!' " Auchincloss replied, as he described the encounter in a letter.

The New Yorker

Sebald's reply, in which he thanks her and apologizes for not having replied sooner, is cordial yet cautious.

The New Yorker

Cordial, even.

The New York Times

Service cordial and professional.

The New York Times

We were cordial".

The New York Times - Sports

It was cordial.

The Guardian

SERVICE Cordial and knowledgeable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cordial reply" when you want to emphasize the politeness and friendliness of a response, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "cordial reply" in very casual conversations. In informal contexts, simpler words like "friendly" or "nice" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cordial reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "cordial" modifies the noun "reply". Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It describes the type of response given, emphasizing its politeness and friendliness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cordial reply" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a polite and friendly response. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it finds its primary contexts in news, media, and formal communications. When using "cordial reply", consider the setting to ensure it aligns with the level of formality required. Alternatives like "friendly response" or "polite answer" may be more suitable for informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friendly response

Substitutes the adjective "cordial" with "friendly", emphasizing warmth and amiability.

polite answer

Replaces both "cordial" and "reply" with "polite" and "answer" respectively, focusing on courtesy.

gracious response

Uses "gracious" to convey a sense of elegance and kindness in the answer.

amiable reply

Employs "amiable" to highlight the pleasant and agreeable nature of the response.

courteous answer

Replaces "reply" with "answer" and "cordial" with "courteous", stressing respect and good manners.

warm response

Focuses on the emotional aspect, using "warm" to suggest a heartfelt and welcoming reply.

pleasant reply

Highlights the agreeable and pleasing nature of the response.

agreeable answer

Indicates a willingness to concur or accommodate in the response.

civil response

Emphasizes politeness and adherence to social norms in the reply.

diplomatic response

Suggests skill in handling sensitive issues with tact and consideration in the answer.

FAQs

What does "cordial reply" mean?

A "cordial reply" refers to a response that is polite, friendly, and sincere. It indicates a warm and agreeable interaction.

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

You might say, "I sent a thank you note and received a "cordial reply" within a few days." Or, "The customer service representative gave a "cordial reply" to my inquiry, which resolved my issue quickly."

What are some alternatives to "cordial reply"?

You can use alternatives like "friendly response", "polite answer", or "gracious response" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cordial reply" suitable for all types of communication?

While "cordial reply" is generally appropriate for formal and professional communication, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives in informal settings.