he replies that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he replies that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a response or statement made by someone, often in reported speech. Example: "When asked about the project, he replies that he is confident in its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I ask if he's less flaky, he replies, "That was a canard".

The New York Times

(eg Dublin seems to win) He replies: "That is the judgment you've got to make.

The Guardian - Tech

When a woman says to him, "How dare you use such tactics!" he replies: "That ain't tactics, honey.

The New York Times

That's why the PM isn't going to do the right thing on this issue". He replies: "That is the judgment you've got to make.

The Guardian - Tech

He replies that "everywhere's a prison".

The Guardian - Film

He replies that they can never be together.

The Guardian

He replies that he is going to make chairs.

The Guardian - Film

He replies that he has decided that his media strategy is to avoid talking to journalists.

The Economist

She finds his responses half-hearted and he replies that he's just very tired.

The New Yorker

He replies that she "needs to be left alone and she should sing how she feels".

The Telegraph

Asked at a later point in the film if he stands by those comments, he replies that he does.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he replies that" to introduce a direct or indirect quote from a person, ensuring that the context makes it clear who 'he' refers to. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "reply" as a noun in this construction (e.g., "He had the reply that..."). "Reply" should function as a verb when using the phrase "he replies that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he replies that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement or response made by a male individual. It serves to convey information indirectly, presenting what someone said in a narrative or analytical context. As Ludwig AI suggests, the structure is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he replies that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to report an individual's response, primarily in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and indicates common usage, although its frequency is relatively rare. While suitable for neutral and formal tones, consider alternatives like "he states that" or "he answers that" to slightly modify the formality or impact of the statement. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies 'he' and that the phrase is used to introduce a direct or indirect response, as improper use can lead to ambiguity or incorrect phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he answers that

More direct and less formal than "he replies that".

he responds that

Slightly more formal than "he answers that" but similar in meaning.

he states that

More formal, implies a deliberate and official response.

he notes that

Suggests a more subtle or understated response.

he comments that

Implies a more casual or off-the-cuff remark.

he indicates that

Suggests a less direct or explicit response.

he mentions that

Simply reports that he brought up the topic.

he explains that

Suggests that he is providing clarification or justification.

he clarifies that

Implies a need to make something easier to understand.

he retorts that

Implies a sharp or defensive reply.

FAQs

What is the difference between "he replies that" and "he says that"?

"He replies that" implies a direct response to a question or statement, while "he says that" is a more general statement and doesn't necessarily indicate a direct response. You can use "he says that" in more contexts.

Can I use "he replies that" in formal writing?

Yes, "he replies that" is suitable for formal writing, especially when reporting speech or providing evidence from a source. Consider alternatives like "he states that" for higher formality.

What are some alternatives to "he replies that" for informal writing?

For informal writing, you could use phrases like "he answers that", "he says", or even just integrate the response into the narrative without an introductory phrase.

How do I punctuate a sentence that starts with "he replies that"?

When using "he replies that", follow it with a complete sentence and any necessary punctuation. For example: "He replies that he will consider the offer carefully."