favorable reply

USAGE SUMMARY

"favorable reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a response to a request or query which is positive or in agreement. For example, "After weeks of waiting, my job application finally received a favorable reply from the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

His favorable reply does not reassure her, however, because she feels he is never critical enough.

The New Yorker

In other words, I should expect to receive my certificate six to eight weeks after the problem, assuming a favorable reply.

The New York Times - Travel

The Finance Minister's demand states that unless it meets with an immediate favorable reply, China will turn elsewhere for a loan.

The New York Times

We hope that you and your Board share our enthusiasm, and we look forward to a prompt and favorable reply.

TechCrunch

It is recorded that when Clara Barton's plea to President Chester Arthur to sign the First Geneva Convention (establishing the International Red Cross), Arthur's favorable reply was referred to this committee and Johnston was named as one of the members.

Wikipedia

If you receive a favorable reply, suggest having lunch together in a restaurant; perhaps one that holds special memories.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

As recently as October, Granma, the Cuban Communist Party's official organ, ran a "reflection" from the Comandante about a New York Times editorial that urged action along the lines that Obama eventually took (Fidel's reply: favorable, but prickly).

The New Yorker

Asked whether he hoped for a favorable ruling, he replied, "We brought the case because we were hopeful".

The New York Times

"I personally answered hundreds of replies to the robocalls and the response was surprisingly favorable to Donald Trump, Johnsonn claimed.

Huffington Post

The response was favorable.

The New York Times - Science

Asked whether the firm would host a separate call with analysts favorable to the legislation's passage, Smith replied: "Weinswig may host further calls on EFCA for clients in the future.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking a decision, use "favorable reply" to express your hope for a positive outcome in formal correspondence.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "favorable reply" is a certainty. It indicates a positive inclination, but the final decision might still differ. It sets an expectation rather than confirming an outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "favorable reply" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "favorable" modifies the noun "reply". It describes the nature of the response as being positive or beneficial. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "favorable reply" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that denotes a positive or agreeable response, as validated by Ludwig. Its primary use lies in expressing hope or anticipation for a positive answer, especially in professional contexts. While not extremely common, it is readily found in sources like The New York Times and TechCrunch, indicating its relevance in formal communication. Remember to use it when hoping for a positive outcome, but understand a "favorable reply" isn't a guarantee.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive response

Replaces "reply" with "response", a broader term for reaction.

agreeable answer

Substitutes "favorable" with "agreeable" and "reply" with "answer", emphasizing agreement.

encouraging feedback

Uses "encouraging" instead of "favorable" and "feedback" to mean a helpful response.

supportive reaction

Replaces "favorable" with "supportive", indicating approval and encouragement.

affirmative acknowledgment

Uses more formal terms, "affirmative" and "acknowledgment", for a formal context.

promising rejoinder

Substitutes "reply" with "rejoinder", implying a quick and positive response.

propitious answer

Uses "propitious" to mean favorable, suggesting good fortune in the reply.

welcome response

Emphasizes the positive reception of the response by using "welcome".

satisfactory feedback

Indicates that the feedback meets expectations, using "satisfactory" instead of "favorable".

positive confirmation

Uses "confirmation" instead of "reply", implying verification or validation that is positive.

FAQs

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

You can use "favorable reply" to express hope for a positive outcome. For example, "We are hoping for a "favorable reply" to our proposal".

What's a good substitute for "favorable reply"?

Alternatives include "positive response", "agreeable answer", or "encouraging feedback", depending on the specific context.

Is "favorable reply" formal or informal?

"Favorable reply" is suitable for professional and formal contexts. For informal situations, consider alternatives like "positive response".

How is a "favorable reply" different from a "positive reply"?

While similar, "favorable reply" often implies a more formal or official context, suggesting the response is beneficial or advantageous. A "positive reply" is a more general term for any affirmative response.