was replied

USAGE SUMMARY

"was replied" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reporting what someone has said in response. For example: "Her question about when the meeting would take place was replied to with an estimated date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It was," replied the Doctor.

The Guardian

"And is this Park Avenue?" "It was," replied her companion.

The New Yorker

He did not initially respond to police, but, when asked what his name was, replied: "George".

The Guardian - Music

It describes a Mitford patriarch who, when asked what his idea of hell was, replied, "Honey on my bowler hat".

The New York Times - Books

One of the letters was replied to by a man called George Gale, who was then editor of The Spectator.

Independent

As for his sailors: "The fire from the forts was heavy and rapid, but was replied to with such spirit that the aim of the enemy was not so good as usual".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I was replying to somebody," she continued.

Huffington Post

"You are!" replied Shirl.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Yes there are," replied another.

Independent

'Yes it is,' replied Motty.

The Guardian - Sport

So here we are," replied Della.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was replied" when you want to emphasize that something received a response, particularly in reporting speech or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "was replied" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The email was replied to by John", use "John replied to the email".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was replied" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a response was given to a previous action or statement. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to report on exchanges and reactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was replied" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive voice construction for indicating a response. According to Ludwig, it's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, conveying information about dialogues and reactions. While accurate, it is best to use it when emphasizing the reception of the answer rather than the action itself. Remember to avoid the redundant "was replied back". Consider more direct active voice constructions for clarity when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was answered

Focuses specifically on receiving an answer, lacking the implication of a conversational exchange.

received a response

Emphasizes the act of getting a response, suitable in formal contexts.

was responded to

Highlights the act of responding, maintaining a similar passive construction.

elicited a reply

Shifts focus to the action causing the reply, less direct than "was replied".

drew a response

Indicates that something provoked a reaction or answer.

met with a reply

Suggests encountering or facing a response, more descriptive.

was countered

Implies a response in an argumentative or defensive manner.

had a rejoinder

Suggests a quick and witty response, different in tone and formality.

brought a retort

Implies a sharp or angry response, changing the nature of the interaction.

was echoed

Indicates a repetition or mirroring of the original statement, not necessarily a direct answer.

FAQs

How can I use "was replied" in a sentence?

The phrase "was replied" is used in passive voice to indicate that a response was given. For instance, "The question "was replied to" with a detailed explanation" shows the question received a response.

What's the difference between "was replied" and "was answered"?

"Was replied" suggests a direct response in a conversation or exchange, while "was answered" is more general and can refer to providing a solution or clarification. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate phrase. For example, a question "was answered" more generally.

Is it correct to say "was replied back"?

No, "was replied back" is redundant. The word "replied" already implies a return response, so adding "back" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. Use "was replied" instead.

What are some alternatives to using "was replied" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use phrases like "received a response", "was responded to", or "elicited a reply" for a more polished tone. These options offer similar meaning while maintaining formality.