cursory reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cursory reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response that is brief and lacking in detail or thoroughness. Example: "After reviewing the document, I sent a cursory reply to acknowledge receipt without going into specifics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ask of things they will need to explain in detail rather than just give a cursory reply: career happenings, a prior vacation, or thoughts on the political front.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Lizzio said that he questioned Mr. Cannon about the transfers and received cursory replies, and even tried to call Mr. Brown once but could not reach him.

The New York Times

"My interest was cursory".

The New York Times

A cursory nod encouraged.

The New York Times

But it's pretty cursory.

The New Yorker

Their handshake was cursory.

The New York Times - Sports

They all eat a cursory dinner.

The New Yorker

I can do cursory work".

The New York Times - Tech

This is too cursory to be cogent.

Independent

"There is a cursory review.

The New York Times

The wine list is cursory.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cursory reply" when you want to emphasize that a response was not thorough or detailed, possibly due to time constraints or lack of importance. For instance, in a fast-paced business environment, a "cursory reply" might be acceptable for routine inquiries.

Common error

Avoid using "cursory reply" in situations that demand a detailed and thoughtful response. For example, when addressing a serious complaint or providing feedback on a critical project, a more comprehensive reply is necessary to show that you've given the matter due consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory reply" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "cursory" modifies the noun "reply". It describes the quality of the reply, indicating that it is brief, superficial, and lacking in thoroughness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cursory reply" is a phrase used to describe a response that lacks thoroughness and detail. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, although relatively rare in usage. It is most commonly found in News & Media, and Wiki contexts. While the phrase is understandable, remember to consider the context and use more formal alternatives if a comprehensive response is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief response

Replaces "reply" with the more general term "response", emphasizing the brevity of the answer.

quick answer

Focuses on the speed of the reply, implying a lack of deeper consideration.

short response

Highlights the lack of length or detail in the answer.

superficial answer

Emphasizes the lack of depth or thoroughness in the response.

perfunctory response

Suggests the reply was given as a duty, without genuine interest or effort.

hasty answer

Indicates the answer was given quickly, potentially without careful thought.

shallow response

Similar to superficial, highlighting the lack of depth.

glib reply

Suggests the reply was smooth and effortless, but potentially insincere or lacking substance.

passing response

Indicates the response was minimal and not deeply considered.

minimal answer

Emphasizes the small amount of information provided in the answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "cursory reply" to describe a response that is brief and lacks detail. For example, "He gave a "cursory reply", indicating he hadn't fully considered the question."

What can I say instead of "cursory reply"?

Alternatives to "cursory reply" include "brief response", "quick answer", or "superficial answer" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to give a "cursory reply"?

A "cursory reply" may be appropriate when the matter is not urgent or complex, and a detailed response is not required. However, avoid using it when addressing important or sensitive issues.

What does "cursory" mean?

"Cursory" means hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough. Thus, a "cursory reply" is a quick, surface-level response.