formulate a reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'formulate a reply' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a written instruction such as: "Before responding to the customer's inquiry, take a few minutes to formulate a reply that is both informative and courteous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He will have to hear what you say, mentally translate it to his language, formulate a reply and convert the answer to English.

The New York Times - Travel

It assumes that an intelligent extraterrestrial life form has already made contact with us and we need to formulate a reply.

The New York Times - Science

Once that happens, it usually takes several more months to formulate a reply and then ultimately receive the penalties.

Huffington Post

Being the third and final speaker, he completed his discourse on 2 Timothy 3: 15–17 and he stood up again to answer a question from the audience, but he was barely able to formulate a reply and sat back in his chair.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Martin, in his history, theorized that Livingston deliberately formulated a reply that would be rejected, so that Jackson would be able to claim "he had been condemned unheard".

The New Yorker

Torino struggled to formulate a response.

The Guardian - Sport

It took me a moment to formulate an answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

From there we will formulate a specific response," Obama said.

The Guardian

A journalist tries to get a statement from Dr. Kumara about the sightings, but Kumara replies that there is not enough evidence to formulate a hypothesis.

Wikipedia

It could never formulate a plan.

The New Yorker

"But they tried to formulate a case".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, always "formulate a reply" that is clear, concise, and tailored to the audience's level of understanding.

Common error

Avoid impulsively responding without careful consideration. Rushing to "formulate a reply" can lead to misinterpretations and ineffective communication. Take a moment to organize your thoughts for a clearer and more impactful response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulate a reply" functions as a verb phrase where "formulate" is the verb indicating the action of creating or devising something, and "reply" is the noun representing the response being created. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formulate a reply" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase that describes the process of thoughtfully creating a response. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for use in written English. While the phrase isn't extremely common, it sees usage across diverse sources, from news outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian to collaborative platforms such as Wikipedia. The contexts where it is most frequently found suggest a deliberate and considered approach to communication. When aiming for clarity and precision in your responses, remembering to "formulate a reply" can help ensure your message is well-crafted and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compose a reply

Emphasizes the act of writing or creating the reply.

craft a response

Uses "craft" to emphasize the careful and deliberate nature of creating a reply.

prepare an answer

Focuses on the preparation aspect of formulating a reply.

develop a response

Highlights the development or evolution of the reply.

construct an answer

Implies a more structured and methodical approach to creating the response.

frame a response

Highlights the act of putting a structure or framework around the reply.

devise a reply

Suggests ingenuity and inventiveness in creating the response.

formulate a rejoinder

A more formal and academic term for creating a reply, typically in a debate or argument.

draw up a response

Implies a careful and considered drafting of the reply.

put together a response

A more informal way of saying to create a reply.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "formulate a reply" quickly in conversations?

Practice active listening to fully understand the question, and then take a brief pause to organize your thoughts before responding. This helps you "formulate a reply" that is both relevant and coherent.

What's the difference between "formulate a reply" and "give an answer"?

"Formulate a reply" suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate process of creating a response, while "give an answer" implies a more immediate and direct response.

In what situations is it most important to "formulate a reply" carefully?

It's crucial to carefully "formulate a reply" in situations involving sensitive topics, high-stakes negotiations, or when addressing a large audience. Thoughtful phrasing can prevent misunderstandings and promote effective communication.

What are some alternatives to "formulate a reply" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you could use alternatives like "craft a response", "develop a response", or "compose a reply" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.