What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reply
Example
I will reply to your email as soon as possible. [reply: verb]
Example
Her reply to his question was concise and clear. [reply: noun]
counter
Example
He countered her argument with a well-reasoned response. [countered: verb]
Example
The company presented a counteroffer to the initial proposal. [counter: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reply is more commonly used than counter in everyday language, especially in professional or formal settings. Counter is less common and often used in informal or casual situations or in specific contexts such as debates or negotiations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reply and counter?
Reply is generally considered more formal than counter, which is often used in informal or casual situations. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and tone of the communication.