immediate reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immediate reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting a quick response or answer to a question or situation. Example: "Please send me an immediate reply regarding the meeting schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Answer correspondence which simply requires an immediate reply (without any research), fax simple returns immediately.

WikiHow

"No," comes his immediate reply.

The Guardian - Music

There wasn't an immediate reply.

The Guardian

His immediate reply: "Oh, lucky you!

The New York Times

Birmingham's almost immediate reply was controversial.

The Guardian - Sport

I request an immediate reply by telegraph.

Yale University

The immediate reply was "We ship them up North".

The New York Times

There was no immediate reply to a fax.

The New York Times

Just a quick lean forward and an immediate reply.

Independent

Writers who wrote him said they received no immediate reply.

The New York Times

Rebecca, a 3-month-old puppy, had no immediate reply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting something, use "immediate reply" to emphasize the urgency and importance of a quick response. This sets clear expectations for the recipient.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate reply" when the situation doesn't genuinely require an urgent response. Overusing it can diminish its impact and create unnecessary pressure on the recipient. Consider alternatives like "prompt reply" or "timely response" for less critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate reply" functions as a noun phrase used to request or indicate the necessity of a quick response. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and widely used. The word "immediate" modifies the noun "reply", specifying the desired speed of the response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immediate reply" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to request a quick response. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s widely used, especially in News & Media and Academia. While effective for emphasizing urgency, it's crucial to use it judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact. Alternatives like "prompt response" or "quick answer" can be more appropriate in less urgent situations. Understanding the context and potential impact on the recipient is key to using "immediate reply" effectively. Ludwig's examples provide valuable insights into its usage across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instant response

This alternative emphasizes the speed of the reaction or answer.

instantaneous feedback

This focuses on the reply being as quick as possible.

prompt answer

This suggests a quick and timely answer.

urgent response

This is appropriate when emphasizing the urgency of the need for a reply.

rapid feedback

This alternative is suitable when referring to a quick assessment or reaction.

swift communication

This focuses on the speed of the exchange of information.

quick acknowledgement

This implies a fast confirmation or recognition of something.

expeditious response

This is a more formal way to say "immediate reply", suggesting efficiency and speed.

same-day feedback

This alternative specifies that the reply will be given in the same day.

on-the-spot answer

This describes a reply given instantly without delay.

FAQs

How to use "immediate reply" in a sentence?

You can use "immediate reply" to request a fast response to a question or request. For example: "Please send me an "immediate reply" confirming your attendance."

What can I say instead of "immediate reply"?

You can use alternatives like "prompt response", "quick answer", or "urgent response" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to ask for an "immediate reply"?

It is appropriate when a quick response is crucial for decision-making, resolving an urgent issue, or meeting a strict deadline. Ensure the urgency is genuine to maintain its effectiveness.

What's the difference between "immediate reply" and "prompt reply"?

"Immediate reply" suggests a greater sense of urgency and requires a response as soon as possible. "Prompt reply" implies a timely response, but not necessarily instantaneous.