satisfactory reply

USAGE SUMMARY

"satisfactory reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you have received a response from someone to a question or request that is acceptable or agreeable to you. For example: "I received a satisfactory reply from the customer service representative, so my issue has been resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But, the representative said: "Really, at this point, we haven't received any satisfactory reply".

The Guardian

In an online video, Sodalitium's current leader, Alessandro Moroni, apologised to victims, acknowledging that they had "received no satisfactory reply" from the group for years.

The Guardian

Read the former shadow home secretary's measured adjournment debate speech here in Hansard and read the junior foreign office minister Ivan Lewis's less than satisfactory reply.

The Guardian

Write detailing what you're claiming and say that if you don't get a satisfactory reply within 14 days you will take the matter up with the association (bar.co.uk – 01923 6994801923

Independent

Nor did he provide a satisfactory reply to critics who argued that the real promise of emerging markets lay in the middle of the pyramid.Preaching, not practicingThis impatience led to one of the few failures of Mr Prahalad's otherwise gravity-defying career.

The Economist

1938 Poles on Lithuanian Frontier WARSAW — More than 40,000 Polish troops were reported today [March 18] to be concentrated on the Lithuanian frontier, ready to march into Lithuania if the Kaunas government does not send a satisfactory reply to the Polish ultimatium before 9 p.m. tomorrow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I have to leave the office, but if and when I get more satisfactory replies I will update - below the line if necessary.

The Guardian

Writer asked a number of visitors for their opinions of Haig as choice for opening speaker but she did not get satisfactory replies.

The New Yorker

John Magnier and his business partner JP McManus, who jointly own 25.49 percentt of Old Trafford, have threatened to 'take action' against the United management if they are not given satisfactory replies to their questions, which cover 13 controversial transfers, including those of Jaap Stam, Juan Veron, Tim Howard, David Bellion, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kleberson.

The Guardian - Sport

The British and French Ambassadors in Berlin each delivered an ultimatum on Sunday and, satisfactory replies not being given, a state of war between Great Britain and Germany existed from 11 a.m. and between France and Germany from 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 3, 1939.This was the beginning.

The Economist

For this may in the end give Ross a philosophical advantage, especially if he drops the claim that it is a necessary condition of act of promise keeping being right that it be 'bonific' or promote some good and if he can find satisfactory replies to Pickard-Cambridge's objections.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting information, specify the criteria for a "satisfactory reply" to ensure you receive the information you need.

Common error

While "satisfactory reply" is correct, overuse in informal contexts may sound stilted. Consider alternatives like "good response" or "helpful answer" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "satisfactory reply" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "satisfactory" modifies the noun "reply". As indicated by Ludwig AI, it describes a response that meets a certain required standard or expectation, conveying a sense of adequacy or sufficiency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "satisfactory reply" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase used to indicate that a response or answer meets the necessary requirements or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, although it is more frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While generally neutral to professional in tone, overuse in informal situations can sound overly formal. Remember to consider the context and audience when using this phrase to ensure it aligns with your intended message. Consider alternatives like "good response" or "helpful answer" in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acceptable answer

Replaces "reply" with "answer" and "satisfactory" with "acceptable", focusing on the adequacy of the response.

adequate response

Substitutes "reply" with "response" and "satisfactory" with "adequate", highlighting the sufficiency of the reaction.

sufficient answer

Similar to "acceptable answer" but emphasizing the response's completeness.

appropriate response

Implies the answer or reply was suitable for the question asked.

suitable answer

Expresses the idea that the response fits the situation or meets specific needs.

convincing response

Focuses on the persuasive quality of the answer or reply.

valid response

Highlights the legitimacy and factual correctness of the reply.

affirmative answer

Indicates a positive or agreeing response.

positive response

Shows that the response was favorable or encouraging.

favorable response

Suggests the reaction was advantageous or well-received.

FAQs

How can I use "satisfactory reply" in a sentence?

You can use "satisfactory reply" to indicate that a response or answer was adequate or met expectations. For example: "After submitting my complaint, I received a "satisfactory reply" from customer service."

What's a more informal way to say "satisfactory reply"?

In less formal situations, consider using phrases like "good response", "helpful answer", or "decent reply" instead of ""satisfactory reply"".

What does "satisfactory reply" imply?

A ""satisfactory reply"" implies that the information or explanation provided was sufficient to address the issue or answer the question. It suggests a sense of resolution or completeness.

Is there a difference between "satisfactory reply" and "satisfactory response"?

The terms ""satisfactory reply"" and "satisfactory response" are largely interchangeable. While "reply" often refers specifically to a direct answer, "response" can encompass a broader range of reactions. The choice depends on the specific context.