make no reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make no reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is not responding to a question or statement. Example: "Despite the accusations, he chose to make no reply during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I would make no reply.

The New York Times

When he gives a talk at Barnard, a "sweet creature" cozies up to him and coos in his ear, "How do you like being the belle of New York?" "It was so true, and so gratifying, that it crimsoned me with blushes, and I could make no reply," he writes.

The New Yorker

Ms. Worden gives expressive voice to the same anxieties that troubled 17th-century philosophers like René Descartes and Blaise Pascal, in music that alternates between ornamental prettiness and slow-raging panic: "If I can't rely on my body, can I trust mine own pertheption?" she asks with an oddly childlike lisp, and "Does the soul remain/after the body dies?" The pop divinities make no reply.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I made no reply.

The New Yorker

Poeller, swallowing hard, made no reply.

The New Yorker

Beyond the power of thinking, I made no reply.

The New Yorker

Like McConnell, the man in the convertible made no reply.

The Washington Post

The news organization of CBS made no reply, proposed no healing.

The New Yorker

The man, who made no reply, was then taken to the police station.

The New York Times

He made no reply when charged and was remanded in custody until next Thursday.

The Times

He made no reply, but hiked on, lopping off ferns with a soft ping of metal.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "make no reply" is suitable for formal and informal situations, but ensure it fits the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "make no reply" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "didn't answer" or "stayed silent" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make no reply" functions as a verb phrase indicating the absence of a response. It signifies a deliberate act of not answering or reacting to something, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make no reply" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, indicating a lack of response to a question or statement. Ludwig AI highlights its usage in various contexts, primarily news and media, science, and formal business settings. While relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys a deliberate choice to remain silent. Alternatives such as "remain silent" or "offer no response" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When writing, consider the formality of the situation and opt for simpler alternatives in casual contexts to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain silent

Emphasizes the act of staying quiet, without necessarily implying a question or statement was directed at the person.

offer no response

Highlights the absence of any answer or reaction to a question or statement.

give no answer

Focuses specifically on the lack of an answer to a direct question.

not respond

A more straightforward way of saying that someone did not react or answer.

say nothing

A simple and direct way of indicating a lack of verbal response.

keep mum

An informal expression for remaining silent, often suggesting secrecy or unwillingness to speak.

decline to comment

Suggests a deliberate choice not to provide information or an opinion, often in a formal setting.

hold one's tongue

Implies a conscious effort to refrain from speaking, often due to social pressure or potential consequences.

evade the question

Indicates an attempt to avoid answering a question directly, often by changing the subject.

stone-wall

Engaging in obstructive or delaying tactics, especially by refusing to answer questions.

FAQs

What does it mean to "make no reply"?

To "make no reply" means to not respond to a question, statement, or accusation. It indicates a lack of verbal or written answer.

What are some alternatives to "make no reply"?

Some alternatives to "make no reply" include "remain silent", "offer no response", "give no answer", or "decline to comment".

Is "make no reply" formal or informal?

"Make no reply" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though simpler phrases like "didn't answer" might be preferable in casual conversation.

How do I use "make no reply" in a sentence?

You can use "make no reply" in a sentence like this: "Despite repeated questioning, the suspect chose to make no reply."