reply to a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reply to a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone is responding to an inquiry or a query. Example: "Please take a moment to reply to the question I sent you earlier regarding the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But democracy is not only a reply to a question.

The Guardian - Film

"You ask the people for a reply to a question.

The Guardian - Film

This was a reply, to a question asked by a journalist.

The New Yorker

There is an Indian word, okeh, used as an affirmative reply to a question.

The Economist

He is not, he said in reply to a question, deliberately abstruse.

The New York Times

In reply to a question, he said he would not resign.

The New York Times

The company did not immediately reply to a question about the Russian black market or the number of compromised accounts.

MIT Technology Review

But in his reply to a question from Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash)., he acknowledged her state's deep opposition.

The Washington Post

Cyber-space is everywhere," Russia's ambassador in Brussels, Vladimir Chizhov, said in reply to a question from the Guardian.

The Guardian

Mr. Mondale made no reference to the article in his reply to a question about his sources.

The New York Times

He says it is unprecedented for a minister not to reply to a question of that kind.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure to avoid monotony. Instead of always starting a sentence with "In reply to a question", consider phrases like "When asked about..." or "Responding to the query..." to add variety.

Common error

Avoid using "reply to a question" when the situation involves a broader discussion or conversation where multiple points are addressed. The phrase is most effective when referring to a direct and specific inquiry, not a general exchange of ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reply to a question" functions as a noun phrase, often used in prepositional phrases like "in reply to a question" or "as a reply to a question". It describes the act or instance of providing an answer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reply to a question" is a versatile and commonly used expression for indicating a response to a specific inquiry. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news, business, and formal communications. While alternatives like "respond to a query" or "answer an inquiry" exist, "reply to a question" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond to a query

Emphasizes the formal aspect of addressing a specific inquiry.

answer an inquiry

Highlights the act of providing an answer or solution to a question.

give an answer to a question

More verbose, emphasizing the action of providing an answer.

address a question

Focuses on dealing with or tackling a question directly.

offer a response to a question

Highlights the act of providing a considered and thoughtful response.

explain in response to a question

Emphasizes providing clarification or detail as an answer.

rebut a question

Implies a refutation or counter-argument in response to a question.

acknowledge a question

Stresses the recognition and acceptance of a question, not necessarily answering it.

provide feedback to a question

Focuses on giving evaluative or corrective information in response.

react to a question

Highlights the immediate emotional or behavioral response to a question.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "reply to a question"?

You can use alternatives such as "respond to a query", "answer an inquiry", or "address a question" depending on the context.

How can I use "reply to a question" in a sentence?

You can use "reply to a question" in a sentence like this: "In "reply to a question" about his future plans, the CEO stated that he would focus on innovation and sustainability."

Is it better to say "in reply to a question" or "in response to a question"?

Both "in "reply to a question"" and "in response to a question" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on your personal preference and the specific context.

Can "reply to a question" be used in both formal and informal settings?

"Reply to a question" is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. However, in very casual conversations, simpler terms like "answer" might be preferred.