What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
answer
Example
Please answer the phone when it rings. [answer: verb]
Example
I need an answer to this math problem. [answer: noun]
reply
Example
She replied to my email within minutes. [replied: past tense]
Example
I'm waiting for his reply to my invitation. [reply: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Answer is more commonly used than reply in everyday language. Answer is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while reply is more specific to written communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between answer and reply?
While answer is generally associated with a more formal tone, reply can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more flexible in terms of formality.
