Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
pending reply
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "pending reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a response is awaited or expected. Example: "I have sent the email regarding the project update and am currently awaiting a pending reply from the client."
✓ Grammatically correct
Alternative expressions(20)
awaiting response
awaiting feedback
response awaited
awaiting reply
waiting for a response
reply expected
needing a response
to be answered
under consideration
no reply yet
still unanswered
waiting for a reply
awaiting a response
unanswered
awaiting an answer
still open
delayed reply
urgent response needed
awaiting confirmation
need a response
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
His case is now in the European court of human rights, pending replies by the British government to concerns about the severity of conditions in US supermax prisons and his facing life without parole.
News & Media
Your message field will temporarily disappear pending that reply.
Wiki
France and Great Britain declined to give an express reply pending Germany's statement of its attitude about Belgium, on which Germany avoided committing itself.
Encyclopedias
"The matters that I inquired into on April 18 are pending matters," he replied.
News & Media
Also, before departure, I make a list of work-related tasks I can do during the flight, such as reading articles, replying to pending emails, writing journals or blogs, or editing pictures, so that I can use my travel time productively.
News & Media
The Lisle Village Board blocked construction, charging that Benet had not notified the local community of the pending construction, to which Benet replied that "the school was there prior to the homes being constructed".
Wiki
The Huffington Post asked Andrea Wuebker, Gregg's spokeswoman, "How does the Senator explain not voting on the stimulus when, as Commerce Secretary, the stimulus will be part of his mandate, and, on a broader level, he will become a key player in the Obama administration's economic team?" "The Senator has recused himself from voting pending the confirmation hearing," she replied.
News & Media
From then on, Slingshot opens to the camera with a little counter at the top noting how many pending messages you could unlock by replying.
News & Media
We identified two Korean trials (Hwang 2009; Park 2011) which are pending classification as we wait for the authors' reply to decide eligibility.
The answer is still pending.
News & Media
On Monday, the N.F.L. filed its reply in support of the motion to stay pending appeal and for an expedited appeal.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "pending reply" when you want to clearly indicate that an action or decision is dependent on receiving a response. For example, "The project's continuation is pending reply from the stakeholders".
Common error
Avoid using "pending reply" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "waiting for a response" or "still no answer" to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "pending reply" functions as a descriptor, indicating a state of anticipation or suspension until a response is received. It modifies a noun or situation, highlighting its dependence on an awaited answer. As Ludwig provides examples, this usage is grammatically sound.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "pending reply" is a grammatically correct way to indicate that something is awaiting a response. Although Ludwig's analysis demonstrates its validity, the term is not particularly common in a wide range of contexts, as reflected in its missing frequency. As such, depending on the context, one might choose alternatives such as "awaiting response" or "response awaited".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
waiting for a response
A more descriptive way of saying that a response is pending.
awaiting response
More formal and direct, implying a passive waiting state.
response awaited
A more concise and slightly formal variation.
reply expected
Directly states the expectation of a reply.
awaiting feedback
Specifically refers to waiting for evaluative comments or input.
needing a response
Emphasizes the necessity of a reply.
to be answered
Highlights that a reply is required.
under consideration
Indicates the matter is being thought about before a reply.
no reply yet
Indicates that a reply has not been received up to the present moment.
still unanswered
Suggests the question or request hasn't been addressed.
FAQs
What does "pending reply" mean?
"Pending reply" means that something is waiting for a response or answer before it can proceed. It indicates a state of being unresolved until a reply is received.
How can I use "pending reply" in a sentence?
You can use "pending reply" to describe a situation where an action is on hold until a response is received. For example, "The decision is "pending reply" from the manager".
What are some alternatives to "pending reply"?
Alternatives to "pending reply" include "awaiting response", "awaiting feedback", or "response awaited". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is it better to say "pending reply" or "awaiting reply"?
Both "pending reply" and "awaiting reply" are grammatically correct, but "awaiting reply" might sound slightly more formal. Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested