in reply to

USAGE SUMMARY

"in reply to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that was previously said or written. For example: "In reply to your email, I will be able to attend the meeting on Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clicking on the "in reply to" links is tedious for long conversations.

TechCrunch

Harvey's innings allowed Australia to score 225 in reply to the hosts' 200.

Wikipedia

Queensland made 516 in reply to Tasmania's 477 in the first innings.

The Guardian - Sport

In reply to Janet's comment.

Columbia University

In reply to Ho. Acad Med.

Harvard University

He nodded in reply to questions by Judge Ronald Ruff.

The New York Times

"Si, señor," he repeated, in reply to Orenstein's questions.

The Guardian

"In reply to Mr Copestake," writes Gary Naylor.

The Guardian - Sport

In reply to their request, 1 Hakluyt, 11. 393.

Cornell University

"That's not for us to say," the statement said, in reply to its own question.

The New York Times - Sports

The local population still faces Taliban intimidation, the Helmand governor reported, in reply to Mullen's questions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider using "in response to" as it maintains a professional tone while conveying the same meaning as "in reply to".

Common error

Avoid using "in reply to" without a clear reference to the original statement or question. Ensure the audience knows what you're responding to, or include a brief summary for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in reply to" serves as a prepositional phrase that introduces a response or answer to a previous statement, question, or action. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates that what follows is a direct reaction to something that was previously communicated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in reply to" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a response or answer, suitable for various contexts ranging from news reporting to academic discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While phrases such as "in response to" offer more formal alternatives, understanding the context ensures effective communication. Best practices include clearly referencing the original statement and adapting your tone accordingly. Common errors involve omitting context, which creates ambiguity for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in response to

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the reaction to a stimulus or prior action.

in answer to

Formally acknowledges that it is the direct answer of a question

responding to

Focuses on the action of responding, suitable for describing the process of giving an answer or reaction.

answering

A more direct and simple term for providing an answer or reply.

reacting to

Highlights the element of reaction, particularly suitable when the response is emotional or behavioral.

addressing

Used to indicate a direct response that deals with or clarifies the previous statement.

as a rejoinder to

This is a more formal and less common way to express a reply, especially in debates or formal discussions.

in rebuttal to

Suggests a formal and structured response that attempts to disprove or contradict a previous claim.

retorting to

Implies a sharp, quick, or witty response, often in argument.

countering

Indicates an action taken to oppose or negate a previous statement or action.

FAQs

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

Use "in reply to" to introduce your answer or reaction to a question, comment, or statement. For example, "In reply to your question, the deadline is next Friday."

What's a formal alternative to "in reply to"?

A more formal alternative is "in response to", suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is there a difference between "in reply to" and "in response to"?

While both phrases are similar, "in response to" tends to be more formal and is often preferred in professional settings, whereas "in reply to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

What can I say instead of "in reply to" when I want to be less formal?

For a less formal tone, consider using "answering", "responding to", or simply stating your answer without an introductory phrase.