ready reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ready reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response that is prompt or quick, often in the context of communication or conversation. Example: "She always has a ready reply to any question, making her a great conversationalist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He had a ready reply.

The New York Times

Fox has a ready reply: find me the money.

The Guardian

The cat lovers issued a ready reply: They have no intention of leaving.

The New York Times

Mr. Ford had a ready reply: "We'd love to work with your administration.

The New York Times

If pressed on the subject, however, Krzyzewski has a ready reply.

The New York Times - Sports

Kimbugwe, the Land O'Lakes representative, has a ready reply to such arguments.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Pinsky had ready replies to both.

The New York Times - Magazine

An audiologist, Sara C. Morton, programmed Mrs. Wilber's speech processor and asked her: "Are you ready?" "Am I ready?" replied Mrs. Wilber, who reads lips.

The New York Times

"In the Zionist State, every inhabitant of this state was trained and ready," replied the elderly sister of Fawzi al-Qutb, a Palestinian bomber who had lead the retaliations.

Independent

The present doctrine of the United States is that we must be ready to reply to conventional military aggression with nuclear weapons whenever the President finds it necessary.

The New York Times

Now e-mail is quicker than face-to-face, and texting, because the respondent is almost always armed with his or her device and ready to reply, is quicker than e-mail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ready reply" when you want to emphasize that someone has a prepared or quick answer to a question or situation. This suggests foresight or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "ready reply" too often in formal writing, as it can sometimes imply a lack of deep consideration. In such contexts, consider alternatives like "thorough response" or "well-considered answer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ready reply" functions as a noun phrase where "ready" modifies "reply". As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used to describe the characteristic of someone having a prepared or prompt response to questions or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ready reply" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a prompt or prepared response. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with neutral register. While it conveys preparedness, it’s important to consider the context to avoid any implication of insincerity or lack of deeper consideration. Alternatives such as "prompt response" or "quick answer" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompt response

Emphasizes the speed and immediacy of the answer.

quick answer

Focuses on the speed of the response without necessarily implying preparedness.

immediate answer

Stresses that there was no delay in response.

prepared response

Highlights the preparedness and anticipation behind the answer.

instantaneous response

Indicates an almost immediate reaction or answer.

prearranged answer

Suggests that the answer was planned or agreed upon in advance.

rehearsed answer

Implies that the answer has been practiced or memorized.

canned response

Suggests the answer is generic and lacks sincerity.

pat answer

Indicates the response is too simple and doesn't address the issue adequately.

automatic reply

Implies an automated or non-thoughtful response.

FAQs

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

You can use "ready reply" to describe someone who has a quick or prepared answer. For example: "The politician had a "ready reply" to every question during the debate".

What are some alternatives to "ready reply"?

Alternatives include "prompt response", "quick answer", or "prepared response", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ready reply" suitable for formal writing?

While "ready reply" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as slightly informal in some contexts. Consider alternatives like "thorough response" or "well-considered answer" for more formal settings.

What does it mean when someone has a "ready reply"?

It means they have an answer prepared in advance, suggesting they have thought about the topic or question beforehand. This can imply either preparedness or, in some cases, a lack of genuine consideration.