reply to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reply to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an email, comment, or other statement that requires a response. For example, "I received an email from my boss asking me to reply to her by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Give them something to reply to!

WikiHow

I didn't reply to them.

The New Yorker

RIEFF: First, let me reply to James.

The New York Times

She did not reply to the offer.

The New York Times

Q: Will authors reply to my comments?

The Guardian

I mean, they reply to emails.

Independent

I didn't reply to the letter.

The New Yorker

I didn't reply to this.

The New Yorker

As such he should be above systems and stReplyres, and notosubordinate to them".

TechCrunch

Nute 2011 is a reply to Shaffer.

SEP

Can you @ reply to friends?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In social media contexts, consider the tone and audience before you "reply to" a comment or post.

Common error

Failing to "reply to" important emails or messages in a timely manner can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities. Prioritize and schedule time to address your communications promptly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reply to" functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating the act of responding to a communication. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from formal emails to social media interactions, affirming its role in facilitating dialogue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

26%

News & Media

24%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reply to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that signifies responding to a communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in numerous contexts, from casual to professional. It is very common across different sources like News & Media, Wiki and Science. While alternatives like "respond to" or "answer" exist, "reply to" remains a straightforward and universally understood way to express the act of providing a response. Just remember to tailor your tone and content to the specific context when you "reply to" others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond to

Interchangeable with "reply to", emphasizing the action of making a response.

answer

A more general term for providing a response, whether verbally or in writing.

acknowledge

Implies recognizing a message or communication, and then responding in some way.

get back to

Suggests a response will be provided at a later time.

write back

Specifically refers to responding in written form.

rejoin

To answer, refute, or appeal.

retort

A sharp, angry, or wittily incisive reply to a remark.

come back with

To answer with a fact.

counter

Reply to by stating the contrary.

speak in response to

Giving a reply verbally.

FAQs

What's the difference between "reply to" and "respond to"?

"Reply to" and "respond to" are often used interchangeably, but "reply to" specifically implies answering a direct communication, while "respond to" can also refer to reacting to a situation or event.

Is it okay to use "reply to all" in an email?

Only use "reply to all" if your response is relevant to everyone on the email chain. Otherwise, it's better to "reply to" only the sender to avoid unnecessary notifications.

What can I say instead of "reply to" in a formal email?

In a formal context, you can use phrases like "I am writing in response to", "in answer to", or "acknowledge".

How quickly should I "reply to" an email?

Aim to "reply to" important emails within 24-48 hours. If you need more time, send a brief acknowledgment to let the sender know you received their message and will respond fully later.