Alex Jong
what is the difference between reply and respond
Apr 10, 2017 9:32 AM
Answers · 6
3
They are very similar. Sometimes they can mean the same thing. They just seem to have different uses. Mostly, you use "reply" when you are talking about internet communication, like reply to a text, reply to an email, reply to a message. You could say respond too, but it's less common. You would normally say "respond" when you're talking about a reaction, or something you do or say because someone else did or said something first. If someone uses an insult, you might say "I wasn't sure how to respond." Governments always talk about "responding" to the actions of each other. In that context, a "response" can be a bomb, financial, or just words. "response" is also used more than "reply" when describing an "answer to a question." A reporter might say, "we found out this information. How do you respond?" Again, reply still makes sense, but it sounds odd. Mostly, I think the trick is to learn when English speakers use each word, and in what context. However, if you're unsure, you can just pick one and people will still understand you. hope that helps!
April 10, 2017
2
Hi Alex, Generally, a reply is an answer for a question either in writing or spoken. However, a response can be an answer to a question or a reaction to a situation and can be written, spoken OR acted out (bodily response). Hope this helps.
April 10, 2017
Haha
May 23, 2018
Hallo
May 23, 2018
As verbs, the difference between reply and respond is that reply is to give a written or spoken response, especially to a question, request, accusation or criticism; to answer while respond is to say something in return; to answer; to reply. As nouns, the difference between reply and respond is that reply is a written or spoken response; part of a conversation while respond is a response - or a reaction to - the communication. So a good example is that, "I have replied to your question with a positive response". ;)
April 10, 2017
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