expecting a reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expecting a reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expecting someone else to respond to you after you have sent a message or asked a question. For example, "I sent an email to my supervisor asking for a raise, and I'm expecting a reply soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But Cameron, as usual, was not expecting a reply.

The New Yorker

I sat back, feeling dirty and not expecting a reply.

The Guardian - Opinion

My agent asked me to see if Beryl would give me a blurb for my book, so I wrote to her, not even expecting a reply.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When my father moved to Oakland, California, after Hurricane Camille wrecked the Mississippi Gulf Coast, in 1969, strangers he encountered from El Salvador and Mexico and Puerto Rico would spit rapid-fire Spanish at him, expecting a reply in kind.

The New Yorker

"What makes us wonder is that if this happened in Israel, and a child or a woman was killed, what would the international reaction be then?" He was not expecting a reply.

The New York Times

He wrote to the author "out of desperation, not expecting a reply", but on 28 March 1968 Beckett sat down in his Paris apartment and wrote to Block, albeit to deny him what he wanted.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He didn't expect a reply.

The New Yorker

Expect a reply via regular (snail) mail.

Harvard University

I didn't really expect a reply.

The Guardian - Books

I do not expect a reply.

The Guardian

"I don't expect a reply.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expecting a reply" in professional communication, it's helpful to indicate a timeframe to set clear expectations. For example, "I'm expecting a reply within 2 business days."

Common error

Avoid using "expecting a reply" when immediate action is required. Instead, use phrases like "awaiting your immediate response" or "urgent—please reply ASAP".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expecting a reply" functions as a participial phrase, often used to modify a subject and indicate their state of anticipation regarding a response. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage of "expecting a reply" is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expecting a reply" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey anticipation of a response. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. When using the phrase, it's helpful to consider the desired level of formality and whether a specific timeframe should be indicated. Alternative phrases, such as "awaiting a response" or "anticipating feedback", can be used to add nuance or formality. Although the phrase is quite versatile, it's important to avoid assuming immediacy when using it and to clarify expectations when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waiting for a response

A neutral way of expressing the act of waiting.

awaiting their reply

Specifies that the reply is from a particular person or group.

awaiting a response

Emphasizes the act of waiting, specifically for a response.

anticipating feedback

Focuses on expecting feedback, whether positive or negative.

looking forward to a response

Expresses eagerness or positive expectation regarding the reply.

assuming a response

Indicates a higher degree of certainty that a response will be provided.

expecting an answer

More general, referring to any kind of answer or solution.

in hopes of a response

Highlights the desire for a response, perhaps uncertain if one will be received.

depending on a response

Conveys that future actions are reliant upon receiving a reply.

trusting in a response

More emphatic and resolute than QUERY.

FAQs

How can I politely indicate I'm waiting for a response?

You can politely indicate you're waiting by saying "I am "awaiting your response" at your earliest convenience" or "I would appreciate "a reply at your convenience"".

What's a more formal alternative to "expecting a reply"?

A more formal alternative is "I "anticipate a response"" or "Your "response is anticipated"".

How to use "expecting a reply" in a sentence?

You can use "expecting a reply" as in: "I sent the document yesterday and I am "expecting a reply" soon".

What's the difference between "expecting a reply" and "hoping for a reply"?

"Expecting a reply" suggests a higher degree of certainty or anticipation based on a prior interaction or agreement. "Hoping for a reply" implies a wish or desire but with less certainty.