reply in due course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reply in due course" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that you will respond to a question or request, but not immediately. For example: "Thank you for your email. I will reply in due course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Asked why it was taking so long, the spokesman just said the government would reply "in due course".

The Guardian

The Home Office confirmed that it had received the letter and would reply in due course.

The Guardian

"The cabinet secretary has received a letter of complaint and he will reply in due course," the spokesperson said.

The Guardian

A spokesman for the Commission said: "We can confirm receipt of this letter and we will reply in due course.

BBC

"We are looking at the statement, our solicitors are looking at it and we'll make a reply in due course," he told BBC Sport.

BBC

"He cannot work within the deadline imposed upon him but will reply in due course when he has had the full advice from the professionals". Owen, whose son Karl is the chairman at Bloomfield Road, has been involved with the Seasiders since 1987, becoming owner the following year.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I will be looking at this issue and will be replying to all in due course".

The Guardian

The CBI is discussing the business impact of the scheme with its members and says it will reply to the consultation in due course.

The Guardian

I therefore intend to challenge the attendance order issued by the BIS committee and I will be sending a formal reply to the committee in due course".

The Guardian - Business

The Cabinet Office said it would reply to the letter in due course.

BBC

In a statement the Blue and Gold Trust said: "The trust is today taking advice through Supporters Direct in regards to the club's concerns relating to the website and will reply in confidence to Keith in due course.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reply in due course" in formal communications when you need to acknowledge a message but cannot provide an immediate answer. This sets an expectation for a future response without committing to a specific timeline.

Common error

Avoid using "reply in due course" in casual conversations or informal emails. It can sound overly formal and even pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'll get back to you later" or "I'll look into it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reply in due course" functions as a polite, formal expression used to indicate that a response will be provided at a later, unspecified time. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage. This expression is often employed in professional settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reply in due course" is a formal phrase used to indicate that a response will be provided at a later time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in professional and news contexts. While the phrase is correct, it is advisable to use it only in formal or professional settings. In informal settings, consider more colloquial alternatives. The phrase appears most frequently in sources like "The Guardian", "BBC", and "The New York Times".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a response will be forthcoming

A more formal and passive way of indicating a response will be provided.

will revert in due time

Uses "revert" as a synonym for reply, keeping a formal tone.

respond at a later time

Replaces "reply" with a more general term for responding and specifies the timing.

will provide a response shortly

Indicates a response is forthcoming in the near future.

the matter will be addressed in time

A passive construction focusing on when the matter will be handled.

will answer in the future

Uses simpler language for "reply" and specifies the timing using "in the future".

the answer will be provided later

Simply states that the answer will come at a later point.

will address this matter later

Replaces "reply" with "address this matter", focusing on the action of dealing with something.

will get back to you later

A more informal way of saying a response will be provided later.

will handle this at a more convenient time

Indicates the issue will be addressed when it's more suitable to do so.

FAQs

How can I use "reply in due course" in a sentence?

You can use "reply in due course" to indicate that you will respond to a question or request, but not immediately. For example: "We have received your request and will "reply in due course"."

What does "reply in due course" actually mean?

"Reply in due course" means that a response will be provided at a suitable time in the future, without specifying a precise date or time.

Are there any alternatives to "reply in due course" that sound less formal?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "I'll get back to you later", "I'll respond when I have more information", or "I'll look into it and let you know" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "reply in due course"?

It's appropriate in professional or formal settings when you need to acknowledge receipt of a message or request but cannot provide an immediate or detailed response. It sets the expectation of a future reply without committing to a specific timeframe.