substantive reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantive reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is meaningful, significant, or provides substantial information. Example: "I appreciate your efforts, but I am still waiting for a substantive reply to my inquiry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If such use of one citizen's vote could obtain a prompt, substantive reply to every mortgage modification request, certainly use of it would be more efficient.

The New York Times

Holder's most substantive reply to the disclosure of the court-ordered phone records harvesting: I'd be more than glad to discuss this in an appropriate setting.

The Guardian

It asks for a substantive reply before 4pm on 29 July and if the response is not deemed satisfactory, it plans to begin taking the decision to the courts.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We have three substantive replies: The extant A. klebsiana sense/antisense gene.

Biology Direct

Speaking to the Guardian this week, Pitts said he may have received one brief reply from one of the agencies he contacted acknowledging receipt of his letter but did not receive a substantive response.

The Guardian - Business

Barra had no substantive answer.

The Guardian - Business

"I think that at this stage of the political crisis, Golden Dawn did not have any substantive wins," he replies.

Vice

As editors may lack sufficient knowledge about the particular research area or the methods used, they should also consider sending substantive criticisms and authors' replies for peer review, and it could be particularly valuable to use the critics as peer reviewers of authors' replies.

British Medical Journal

"The Fresh Start project carries the support of over 100 MPs and is about the substantive issue of EU reform," she replied when asked about the letter.

Independent

AL did not look at authors' replies before the data transfer for substantive criticism had taken place.

British Medical Journal

For comparison, we also selected those papers with rapid responses and a substantive criticism where the authors had not published any replies.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantive reply" when you want to emphasize that a response is not superficial but rather deals with the core issues in a meaningful way. It's particularly useful in formal communications or when evaluating the quality of feedback or answers.

Common error

Avoid using "substantive reply" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good answer" or "helpful response" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantive reply" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb. It describes a type of response that is meaningful and important. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive reply" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a meaningful and thorough response. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in news media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate, favoring formal settings where depth and significance are valued. Alternatives such as "meaningful response" or "thorough answer" can be used based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningful response

Emphasizes the significance and importance of the reply.

thorough answer

Highlights the completeness and detailed nature of the response.

detailed explanation

Focuses on the clarity and depth of the information provided in the reply.

comprehensive response

Stresses the all-encompassing nature of the answer.

insightful answer

Highlights the depth of understanding and perception shown in the reply.

in-depth response

Emphasizes the level of detail and analysis in the reply.

informative reply

Stresses the helpfulness and knowledge provided in the answer.

considered response

Highlights the thoughtfulness and care taken in crafting the reply.

complete answer

Focuses on the reply being full and not missing important information.

significant response

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the reply.

FAQs

What does "substantive reply" mean?

A "substantive reply" is a response that is meaningful, thorough, and addresses the core issues of a question or request. It's not superficial or dismissive but provides significant information or insight.

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

You can use it like this: "We need a "substantive reply" to the customer's complaint to resolve the issue effectively".

What are some alternatives to "substantive reply"?

Some alternatives include "meaningful response", "thorough answer", or "detailed explanation", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "substantive reply"?

It's appropriate to use "substantive reply" in formal settings, such as business communications, legal documents, or academic discussions, where a detailed and meaningful response is expected.