replying to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "replying to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a response to a message, question, or comment. Example: "I am replying to your email regarding the meeting schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They stopped replying to anything".

The New York Times - Science

4.33pm BST Gove is replying to Twigg.

The Guardian

Then Irvin stopped replying to her letters.

The Guardian - Books

Emails poured in, which needed replying to.

The Guardian - Arts

4.54pm BST Miller is replying to Harman.

The Guardian

10.43am BST Laws is replying to Hunt.

The Guardian

I didn't see any point in replying to that.

The New Yorker

Conservative officials have ceased replying to queries about asbestos.

The New York Times

Was he replying to people who'd contacted him?

The Guardian - Books

Customers replying to the post have been scathing.

The Guardian - Business

The trouble was, she wasn't replying to my messages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "replying to", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being responded to. This prevents ambiguity and makes your communication more effective.

Common error

In casual conversation or informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "answering" or "responding" unless the specific nuance of "replying to" is needed. Overusing formal phrasing can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "replying to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to indicate the act of responding to a specific communication or stimulus. It is a verbal phrase indicating a response, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "replying to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a response to something previously communicated. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to explicitly state that a response is being made, providing clarity and context. While the phrase is versatile and can be used in various settings, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. For more informal contexts, alternatives like "answering" or "responding" might be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responding to

Focuses on the act of answering or reacting, similar to "replying to" but may imply a more formal or considered response.

in response to

A more formal and explicit way of indicating that something is being said or done as a direct reaction to something else.

answering

Highlights the act of providing an answer, often in a direct or explicit way.

in answer to

A formal phrase indicating a direct and specific response to a question or statement.

reacting to

Emphasizes a response that is often emotional or immediate, contrasting with the potentially more measured tone of "replying to".

commenting on

Suggests providing an opinion or observation about something, different from a direct response.

addressing

Indicates dealing with or discussing a matter, rather than a direct response.

acknowledging

Implies recognizing something, which might not always involve a full response.

countering

Suggests arguing against or opposing a statement or action, a more confrontational response.

retorting

Implies a sharp, witty, or angry reply, often in response to a criticism or challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "replying to" in a sentence?

"Replying to" is typically followed by the object or subject to which you are responding. For example, "I am replying to your email" or "Replying to the criticism, the CEO issued a statement."

What are some alternatives to "replying to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "responding to", "answering", or "reacting to".

Is it always necessary to specify what you are "replying to"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what you are "replying to" provides clarity and context, preventing potential confusion for the reader or listener.

What's the difference between "replying to" and "answering"?

"Answering" generally refers to providing a direct response to a question. "Replying to" can encompass a broader range of responses, including comments, criticisms, or statements.