their reply

USAGE SUMMARY

'their reply' is correct and accepted in written English.
You can use it when referring to something someone else has said in response to something you have said or asked. For example: I asked them how they were doing and they replied that they were doing well.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We await their reply.

Independent

"You should know!" was their reply.

The New Yorker

He couldn't make much of their reply.

The New Yorker

England made a meal of their reply.

The Guardian - Sport

That, it seems, is their reply message to Dempster.

The New York Times - Sports

Herewith is their reply: Thank you for your letter.

The New Yorker

What's it like over there?' 'Cold' is their reply.

The New Yorker

It is unclear whether they received their reply.

The Guardian

Join me in 45 minutes for their reply.

The Guardian - Sport

See you in a few minutes for their reply.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Everyone was generous with their replies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "their reply", ensure the context clearly indicates who 'they' refers to, especially in longer texts where the antecedent might become ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "their reply" when referring to a singular entity. Use "his reply" or "her reply" as appropriate. For example, it is incorrect to say 'The manager gave their reply' when referring to one manager.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their reply" functions as a noun phrase, where 'their' is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun 'reply'. It denotes a response or answer provided by a group or entity. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their reply" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a response from a group or entity. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples, shows it is most common in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding who 'they' refers to, and maintain pronoun agreement. Alternatives such as "their response" or "their answer" can be considered for variety. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, making it appropriate for a wide range of communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their answer

Replaces "reply" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the provision of information in response to a question.

their response

Uses a more formal term, 'response', which implies a reaction or answer to a stimulus or communication.

what they said in response

Rephrases to clarify the action of 'replying'.

the group's reaction

Shifts the focus to a 'reaction', which might encompass a broader range of actions and emotions beyond a simple answer.

the team's feedback

Emphasizes the provision of evaluative or corrective information, typically in a professional setting.

their explanation

Focuses on providing reasons or justifications, rather than just an answer.

their statement

Highlights a formal declaration or account of facts, often used in official contexts.

the organization's position

Focuses on a firmly held attitude or stance, often in relation to a specific issue or policy.

their rejoinder

Implies a quick and often sharp or witty response, usually in a debate or argument.

the collective's decision

Highlights a choice made by a group, implying a deliberate and considered response.

FAQs

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

You can use "their reply" to refer to a response from a group of people or an organization. For example: "We sent them a letter, and this was "their reply"."

What's a good alternative to using "their reply"?

Depending on the context, you could use "their response", "their answer", or "their statement".

Is it correct to use "their reply" when referring to a company?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "their reply" when a company provides a response, as companies are often viewed as collective entities.

What is the difference between "their reply" and "their responses"?

"Their reply" typically refers to a single, unified answer. "Their responses" implies multiple, possibly varied answers or reactions from the group.