reply to a letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reply to a letter" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing responding to written correspondence. Example: "I need to reply to a letter I received last week." Alternative expressions include "respond to a letter" and "answer a letter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Jeremy Corbyn faced fresh criticism over his handling of antisemitism allegations after Labour's sister party in Israel said it had had no reply to a letter its leader sent to him a month ago expressing dismay and inviting him to Jerusalem to see the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum.

The Guardian

Reply to a letter from the Giffords.

Cornell University

It was in reply to a letter sent 26 years earlier by a British officer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And an unsuspecting Leonard Lopate sent a typed reply to a letter Shimansky had written haranguing the "New York & Co".

The New Yorker

I was kicked off the waiting list at one stage because I failed to reply to a letter.

The Guardian

She can only remember one case in which the club decided not to reply to a letter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

So far Kulikov has not replied to a letter sent to him in prison inviting comment.

The Guardian

On a Web site, he replied to a letter in which followers vowed to conduct suicide attacks by saying, "Thank you my dear friends, God bless you".

The New York Times

Letter from C. W. de Kiewiet to Deane W. Malott, December 30, 1960, replying to a letter of sympathy on the death of de Kiewiet's daughter.

Cornell University

He has received no encouraging replies to a letter he sent to the museum's 1,000 members this month asking for help.

The New York Times - Arts

Kate Bush might be one of the most influential singers ever but aged just 19 she proved she was a lovely person too by replying to a letter from a young fan.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "reply to a letter", be sure to directly address the main points raised in the original correspondence to ensure clarity and relevance in your response.

Common error

Avoid delaying your "reply to a letter" unnecessarily; a prompt response demonstrates professionalism and respect for the sender's time and inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reply to a letter" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of responding to a written communication. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts. It is commonly used to describe the act of providing an answer or reaction to a previously sent letter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reply to a letter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of responding to a written communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys the action of providing an answer or reaction to a previously sent letter across various contexts, including news media, academia, and general conversation. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "respond to a letter" or "answer a letter", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond to a letter

Uses a different verb with similar meaning. This is the most direct synonym.

answer a letter

Employs 'answer' instead of 'reply', suggesting a direct response to the content.

send a response to a letter

Adds more words to create a more descriptive phrase.

acknowledge a letter

Focuses on recognizing receipt rather than addressing the content.

write back to a letter

Specifies the act of writing as the form of response.

make a response to a letter

Similar to 'send a response' but slightly less common.

issue a reply to a letter

More formal phrasing; implies an official or formal response.

provide a reply to a letter

Similar to 'issue a reply' but can be slightly less formal.

get back to someone regarding a letter

Informal and indirect; emphasizes the act of getting back to someone.

formulate a response to a letter

Emphasizes the act of carefully crafting a response.

FAQs

What is the best way to start a "reply to a letter"?

A good way to start a "reply to a letter" is by acknowledging the sender and referencing the date of the original correspondence. For example, "Thank you for your letter of [date]".

What can I say instead of "reply to a letter"?

You can use alternatives like "respond to a letter", "answer a letter", or "acknowledge a letter" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to "reply to a letter" promptly?

While not always required, a prompt "reply to a letter" is generally considered courteous and professional, especially in business or formal settings.

What information should I include when I "reply to a letter"?

When you "reply to a letter", be sure to include a clear and concise answer to the original inquiry, any relevant supporting information, and a polite closing.