when they reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the moment or action of someone responding to a question or statement. Example: "I will send them the information when they reply to my email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

They are unlikely to say No, but watch how much they fidget when they reply".

The Guardian

When they reply with their own folk classics, Richard yodels sweetly.

The Guardian - Travel

It certainly drives me nuts when they reply to me, not him, but I can see why they do it.

Independent

When they reply that they are, he then cuts to impoverished children who say, no, they are not doing well.

The New York Times

The Guardian has approached both EA and Zynga for comment, and will update this story when they reply.

The Guardian - Tech

In its new environment the duck encounters first a fly, then a fish, then a mouse, and poses the same question to each: "Do you know who I am?" When they reply in a language the duck cannot understand, it sits down on a rock and weeps.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

When they replied no, a masked driver opened fire.

The New York Times

He asked one audience member if they were American, and when they replied they were from Liverpool, Mancunian Gallagher said: "Try and be American, it's better than being a Scouser".

Independent

But England quickly slipped into trouble when they replied with Graham Gooch, Geoff Boycott, Wayne Larkins, David Gower and the captain, Mike Brearley, all falling cheaply.

The Guardian - Sport

That Andrews & Company, when they replied to the inquiry made to them as to price, etc., understood that the contract proposed was on behalf of the united States, we think is deducible from their reply.

Cornell University

"They were never in trouble when they replied, although some wickets went down.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when they reply", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "when they reply" in situations where the subject is unclear. Always make sure it is obvious to the reader who "they" refers to. If there is potential for ambiguity, clarify the subject or rephrase for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they reply" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating the timing of an action contingent upon a response. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when they reply" functions as an adverbial clause of time, commonly used across various contexts to indicate that an action will occur upon receiving a response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and our analysis shows it is frequently found in news, media and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who "they" refers to. Alternatives include "upon their response" or "after they answer", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon their response

This alternative provides a more formal tone, replacing "reply" with the noun "response" and using the preposition "upon" for a more sophisticated construction.

after they answer

This option replaces "reply" with the more general term "answer", indicating a response without specifying the format (e.g. written or verbal).

once they respond

This alternative uses "respond" instead of "reply", suggesting a slightly more formal or official reaction.

following their reply

This phrase emphasizes the sequence of events, highlighting that something will happen after the reply is received.

on receiving their answer

This alternative is more formal, using "receiving" and "answer" to denote the action of getting a response.

in response to them

This option shifts the focus to the action of responding, rather than the time "when" it occurs.

should they respond

This alternative introduces a conditional element, suggesting uncertainty about whether a response will be given.

if they get back to you

This phrase is more informal and conversational, suggesting a return communication.

as soon as they get back

This option emphasizes the immediacy of the action following the response.

after hearing back from them

This alternative specifically refers to receiving a communication from the other party.

FAQs

What does "when they reply" mean?

The phrase "when they reply" refers to the point in time at which a group of people or entities provide a response or answer to a question, request, or communication.

How can I use "when they reply" in a sentence?

You can use "when they reply" to indicate a future action contingent on receiving a response. For example, "I will send the documents "when they reply" to my email."

What are some alternatives to "when they reply"?

Some alternatives to "when they reply" include "after they answer", "upon their response", or "once they respond", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "when they respond" instead of "when they reply"?

Yes, "when they respond" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "when they reply". "Respond" and "reply" are often interchangeable, although "respond" can sometimes imply a more formal or official communication.