explanatory reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explanatory reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that provides clarification or additional information about a topic or question. Example: "In response to your inquiry, I will provide an explanatory reply to ensure all your questions are addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Initially, an explanatory letter, questionnaire and reply-paid envelope were mailed by administrative staff in charge of shared maternity care at each hospital.

BMC Family Practice

Back home, Jackson had Katie write explanatory letters but received no reply.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The mailing consisted of a letter from Lothian Health Board, an information sheet explaining why the contact was made by Lothian Health Board, an invitation letter written and signed by Professor Ian Deary (LBC1936 Study Director), an explanatory leaflet for the LBC1936 study, and a reply slip and a pre-paid reply envelope.

BMC Geriatrics

As with other arguments from the explanatory impotence of moral facts, critics can reply either by arguing that moral facts do some explanatory work (e.g. Copp 2008 with reply by Street 2008) or by arguing that moral beliefs can be justified even if moral facts do not do any explanatory work (cf. Bergmann & Kain 2014).

SEP

2. Generic postal survey: mail out of an introductory letter addressed generically "to the householder", together with the explanatory statement, a greywater survey form and a reply paid envelope.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

An invitation package which included a self-explanatory introduction letter, a sample log-form and a reply slip was sent to each of the aforementioned 277 doctors from November to December 2008.

BMC Infectious Diseases

A fourth reply would be to shrug off the alleged explanatory challenge.

SEP

Five methods of recruitment were used: 1. Personalised postal survey: mail out of a personally addressed introductory letter, together with the explanatory statement for the study, a greywater survey form and a reply paid envelope.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Asked by chief justice Robert French whether Dutton had given a reason for the exemption, Donaghue replied he had given no reason except an explanatory statement, which was "not particularly enlightening".

The Guardian

The invitation included an explanatory letter, a resource pack and an Excel table for replies.

BMC Cancer

A mail questionnaire with an explanatory letter and a self-addressed and pre-paid envelope for the reply was posted in March 1997.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explanatory reply", ensure the context necessitates a response that provides additional clarity or detailed information, rather than a simple acknowledgment or confirmation.

Common error

Avoid using "explanatory reply" when a straightforward answer suffices. Overusing it can make your communication sound unnecessarily verbose or even condescending. Choose simpler alternatives like "I understand" or "Okay" for basic acknowledgments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanatory reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "explanatory" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "reply". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it adheres to standard English syntax.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explanatory reply" refers to a response that provides clarification or additional details. While grammatically correct according to Ludwig AI, its usage is infrequent, suggesting that alternative phrases may be more commonly used. When choosing "explanatory reply", consider whether the context necessitates a detailed explanation or if a simpler response would suffice. Alternatives such as "clarifying response" or "detailed answer" may offer similar meaning with potentially wider applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifying response

Emphasizes the act of making something clearer in the response.

detailed answer

Highlights the thoroughness and depth of the response.

informative response

Focuses on the provision of useful information in the reply.

elucidating answer

Stresses the act of shedding light on a topic through the answer; more formal.

comprehensive explanation

Indicates a complete and thorough account in the response.

thorough clarification

Highlights the completeness of the clarification provided in the reply.

illuminating feedback

Suggests that the feedback provides new insights and understanding.

descriptive feedback

Focuses on providing a detailed description in the response.

instructive comment

Implies that the comment provides guidance and instruction.

revealing remarks

Focuses on presenting something previously unknown.

FAQs

What does "explanatory reply" mean?

An "explanatory reply" is a response that aims to clarify a point, provide additional information, or offer a detailed account to ensure better understanding.

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

You might say, "I sent an email requesting clarification and received an explanatory reply that cleared up all my confusion."

What can I say instead of "explanatory reply"?

You can use alternatives like "clarifying response", "detailed answer", or "informative response" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "explanatory reply" over a simpler term like "answer"?

"Explanatory reply" is most appropriate when the response requires more than a simple affirmation or denial, necessitating a detailed explanation or clarification. Otherwise, a term like "answer" or "response" may suffice.