tender reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tender reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is gentle, kind, or sensitive in nature. Example: "Her tender reply to my concerns made me feel understood and supported."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each time Ms. Rubio over-emotes, he's there with a tender, measured reply, an implicit rebuke.

The New York Times - Arts

If we ask, as we did before, whether there are irrational numbers a, b such that ab is rational, Carnap requires we first specify a framework before tendering any reply.

SEP

"Writing plays and books, going gracefully into my tender years," Tarantino replied.

Independent

The World Bank has banned some mainland companies from bidding for tenders in Africa.China's defenders reply that its detrimental impact on governance is limited.

The Economist

They were unable to include him in a trade so they asked what we wanted them to do". Don't tender him a contract, Fenech replied, and the Blue Jays complied.

The New York Times - Sports

Dad repeatedly replies: "Yes, puritanical - and poignant, and tender". They invited some of the relatives to the filming this week at a disused court in south-west London (Dad couldn't make it).

The Guardian

After concluding a reply to him with an outpouring of tender sentiments, she avers: "Rather disgusting, all that".

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Boies replied, "Not an individual one, although we did tender them in evidence, and we did ask him repeatedly to look at the ballots as part of the evidence".

The New York Times

He replied that as far as he was concerned legal tender is legal tender.

The New Yorker

"Yes," he replies, in the Jerry voice, but much softer, more tender than most people would remember.

The New York Times

They replied to my frequent queries about some of the more unusual foodstuffs (like shirozuiki, the tender stem of a tarolike potato plant) with " the chef will explain later".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tender reply" when you want to emphasize the gentle and caring nature of a response.

Common error

Avoid using "tender reply" in highly formal or technical contexts where a more neutral term like "response" or "answer" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tender reply" functions as an adjective-noun combination where "tender" modifies the noun "reply". This describes a quality of the reply, specifically its gentleness or sensitivity, as Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tender reply" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a response characterized by gentleness and care. Ludwig indicates that while acceptable in various contexts, including news and media, its usage should be carefully considered in highly formal settings. Alternatives such as "gentle response" or "compassionate response" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance. Ludwig confirms the adjective-noun structure and its purpose in conveying empathy. While the phrase is relatively rare, it effectively communicates a caring and sensitive response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle response

Focuses on the gentleness of the reaction, omitting the direct action of replying.

kind answer

Highlights the kindness in the answer, rather than the method of responding.

compassionate response

Emphasizes the compassion behind the response, suggesting empathy and understanding.

sympathetic answer

Stresses the sympathy conveyed in the answer, implying shared feelings or understanding.

soft-hearted response

Highlights the soft-hearted nature of the reply, emphasizing emotional sensitivity.

caring reply

Focuses on the caring aspect of the reply, suggesting concern and attentiveness.

thoughtful answer

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness behind the answer, indicating careful consideration.

sensitive response

Highlights the sensitivity of the response, suggesting awareness and understanding of delicate issues.

warm-hearted reply

Emphasizes the warm-hearted nature of the reply, suggesting friendliness and affection.

gentle rejoinder

Uses a more formal term for 'reply' while maintaining the emphasis on gentleness.

FAQs

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

You can use "tender reply" to describe a response that is gentle and compassionate. For example: "Her "tender reply" to my concerns made me feel understood."

What are some alternatives to "tender reply"?

Alternatives include "gentle response", "kind answer", or "compassionate response". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tender reply" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "tender reply" may be too informal for highly formal or technical writing. Consider using "response" or "answer" instead.

What connotations does "tender reply" carry?

"Tender reply" suggests a response that is not only an answer but also demonstrates care, empathy, and understanding. It implies emotional sensitivity and gentleness.