initial reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the first response you receive back to something you have said or asked. For example: "I sent an email to my boss with some questions, and I received an initial reply that they would get back to me soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Home, fast," was the initial reply.

The Guardian - Sport

"We don't know," was the initial reply.

The New Yorker

"Water off a duck's back" was the initial reply.

The Guardian - Sport

Actually, his initial reply was a techie epigram.

The New York Times

[12 33 p.m. | Update | Just in case you missed it, David Roberts' criticism of this post is here and here's my initial reply (I'm on the run).] Is there room for more than one approach to pursuing energy and climate progress?

The New York Times

An initial reply to this objection involves pointing out that my perception of the rock is a mental state, whereas the rock itself isn't (Lycan 1996).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"With the initial replies I was getting, I thought it was going to be very difficult," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

There were 1,000 initial replies, some of which were just lovely kids who couldn't play anything but wanted to write a letter.

The Guardian - Music

Here are a few initial replies (some e-mail shorthand is fixed), starting with a back-and-forth with Michael Mann of Pennsylvania State University.

The New York Times

In addition, there is no presumption that the objections discussed below are the most important or that the initial replies to them are without fault.

SEP

Philips Hue had also downplayed the problem in its initial replies, as well, saying server issues were affecting only a "small percentage" of users.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, ensure that your "initial reply" is professional and acknowledges receipt, even if a full answer isn't immediately available.

Common error

Avoid treating the "initial reply" as the definitive answer. Always clarify whether further information or action is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial reply" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the first response or answer received in a conversation or exchange. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it specifies that it is the first message that was sent back.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial reply" refers to the first response received in a communication exchange. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. When writing, using "initial reply" appropriately involves understanding its role in setting the context for further communication. Avoid treating the "initial reply" as the final word. Consider alternatives like "first response", "preliminary answer", and "immediate reaction" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initial reaction

Synonymous, simply replaces 'reply' with 'reaction'.

First response

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of being the very first reaction.

Early response

Highlights the timing, indicating a response received relatively soon.

Preliminary answer

Highlights the tentative or provisional nature of the first answer.

Primary response

Emphasizes the significance of the response as the main, original one.

Immediate reaction

Focuses on the speed and spontaneity of the first reaction.

Starting answer

Indicates the commencement of an explanation or answer.

Initial feedback

Suggests the first evaluative comments received.

Opening response

Implies the beginning of a series of responses or a conversation.

First take

An idiomatic expression referring to an initial attempt or perspective.

FAQs

How to use "initial reply" in a sentence?

You can use "initial reply" to refer to the first response received. For example, "The "initial reply" from the customer service team was encouraging".

What can I say instead of "initial reply"?

You can use alternatives like "first response", "preliminary answer", or "immediate reaction" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "initial reply" or "initial response"?

"Initial reply" and "initial response" are both correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What is the difference between "initial reply" and "first reply"?

While similar, "initial reply" emphasizes the beginning of a communication, while "first reply" simply denotes the order in which the reply was received.