reply in the affirmative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reply in the affirmative" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts to indicate that someone is responding positively to a question or request. Example: "When asked if he would support the initiative, he chose to reply in the affirmative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They reply in the affirmative.

The New Yorker

I always reply in the affirmative, of course, but I find it hard to meet her gaze as I do so.

The Guardian

We are a little like minor rock stars and all it takes is to reply in the affirmative to the question: "Sei un mongolfierista?" and the world is your pizza.

Independent

The major philosophical reply in the affirmative to (Q1) may be called the "Doxastic Practice Approach".

SEP

Given that we agree that compatibility with relativity theory is a necessary and sufficient condition of physical possibility, we can reply in the affirmative.

SEP

If you reply in the affirmative, Bank of America will temporarily cover the purchase, and give you the until the end of the banking day to refill your account.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He replied in the affirmative.

The Guardian - Film

According to the Observer, Mr Liddle replied in the affirmative.

The Economist

He replies in the affirmative, but not without pause.

The Guardian

The publisher replied in the affirmative, and only then did Pereda realize that he was crying.

The New Yorker

Gandhi, while replying in the affirmative, forewarned her of the difficulties of such a life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. In less formal situations, simpler alternatives like "said yes" or "agreed" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "reply in the affirmative" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reply in the affirmative" functions as a predicate nominative or adverbial phrase, indicating the manner of responding. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a grammatically sound and accepted construction. Examples show it used to describe a positive response to a question or proposal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reply in the affirmative" is a grammatically correct and somewhat formal way to indicate a positive response or agreement. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While less common in everyday conversation, it is frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. When writing, consider your audience and the desired tone; simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. It's important to use this phrase where a level of formality is required, avoiding it in casual contexts to prevent sounding unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

answer affirmatively

Focuses on the act of answering rather than the form of the reply.

respond in the affirmative

Emphasizes the response itself, similar to the original phrase but with a different verb.

give an affirmative answer

Highlights the nature of the answer being positive or agreeing.

confirm positively

Focuses on the act of confirming something with a positive response.

affirm

A more formal and concise way of expressing agreement or confirmation.

say yes

A more direct and informal way of expressing agreement.

validate positively

Implies verification or validation with a positive response.

concur

A formal term indicating agreement.

agree

A simple and direct expression of concurrence.

assent

Implies formal agreement or approval.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "reply in the affirmative"?

The phrase "reply in the affirmative" is most appropriate in formal settings or when you want to emphasize the formality of the response. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "say yes" or "agree" are more suitable.

What's a less formal way to say "reply in the affirmative"?

Less formal alternatives include "said yes", "agreed", or simply "yes", depending on the context.

Is "reply in the affirmative" grammatically correct?

Yes, "reply in the affirmative" is grammatically correct. It's a standard phrase used to indicate a positive response or agreement. It follows typical sentence structure and is readily understood.

How can I use "reply in the affirmative" in a sentence?

You can use "reply in the affirmative" in a sentence like this: "When asked if he would support the proposal, he chose to reply in the affirmative." This indicates that he responded positively to the question.