thoughtful reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoughtful reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that shows careful consideration and reflection on a topic or question. Example: "I appreciate your thoughtful reply to my concerns; it really helped clarify the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Cooke has a mostly thoughtful reply, here.

The Guardian - Opinion

A well written and thoughtful reply.

University of California, Berkeley

He sent back a long and thoughtful reply.

The Washington Post

"Hmm," Mr. Riley said, as he composed a thoughtful reply.

The New York Times

Update: Timothy Bartik, an economist with the Upjohn Institute, writes a thoughtful reply to this post.

The Washington Post

She had answered with what I would now recognise as a characteristically courteous and thoughtful reply.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

That change allowed people to share their expanded thoughts with more nuance, which in turn prompted more thoughtful replies.

TechCrunch

My last column inspired a remarkable number of thoughtful replies.

The New York Times

If these thoughtful replies share something in common, it is this.

The New York Times

I knew, of course, that she had read my letters carefully — and not only because of her thoughtful replies to them.

The New Yorker

I knew, of course, that she had read my letters carefully and not only because of her thoughtful replies to them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When appreciating someone's response, use "thoughtful reply" to acknowledge the depth and care they put into their answer. It conveys genuine respect for their effort.

Common error

Avoid using "thoughtful reply" in extremely casual situations where a simple "thanks" or "okay" would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where genuine consideration is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoughtful reply" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "thoughtful" modifies the noun "reply". It describes the quality of the response, indicating that it is characterized by careful consideration and reflection. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thoughtful reply" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a response that demonstrates careful consideration and insight. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjective-noun combination, primarily used in news, academic, and professional contexts. While versatile, it is best reserved for situations where genuine thoughtfulness is evident, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "considered response" or "insightful answer" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considered response

Emphasizes the careful consideration given to the response.

insightful answer

Highlights the depth and understanding present in the response.

well-considered answer

Similar to "considered response" but with added emphasis on thoroughness.

reflective response

Focuses on the thoughtful reflection behind the reply.

deliberate answer

Implies a careful and intentional response.

studied reply

Suggests that the response was carefully crafted and potentially researched.

reasoned response

Highlights the logical and rational nature of the reply.

intelligent answer

Focuses on the high level of cognitive ability reflected in the answer.

substantive response

Highlights the significant content and depth of the reply.

profound answer

Emphasizes the deep and meaningful nature of the reply.

FAQs

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

You can use "thoughtful reply" to describe a response that shows careful consideration, such as: "I appreciated her "thoughtful reply"; it helped me understand the issue better."

What are some alternatives to "thoughtful reply"?

Alternatives include "considered response", "insightful answer", or "well-considered answer", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "thoughtful reply" formal or informal?

"Thoughtful reply" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is appropriate in professional and academic contexts but might sound somewhat stilted in very casual conversation.

What makes a reply "thoughtful"?

A "thoughtful reply" indicates that the responder has taken the time to carefully consider the question or statement, providing an answer that is not only relevant but also demonstrates understanding and insight.