'Reply' or 'Reply to' Someone/Something? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

(Last Updated: 20 December 2024)

Reply Someone/Something or Reply to Someone/Something: Which One Is Correct?

A common mistake made by English language learners is saying reply someone/something instead of reply to someone/something. While it may seem like a small difference, saying reply someone/something can make your English sound non-native. 

To ensure your English sounds idiomatic, always use the preposition to after the verb reply when followed by the person or message you are responding to:

✅ I have already replied to him.
❌ I have already replied him.

✅ Please reply to me as soon as possible.
❌ Please reply me as soon as possible.

✅ Has she replied to your email yet?
❌ Has she replied your email yet?

✅ He's going to reply to your message shortly.
❌ He's going to reply your message shortly.

✅ Thomas always replies to text messages promptly.
❌ Thomas always replies text messages promptly.

The entry for the verb reply (sense 1) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Examples from the Media

The proper time to reply to everyone is when the answer can reasonably be expected to be of interest to the group—and when your response respects the context, tone and subject of the original. —The Washington Post (2020)

They've replied to you letting you know that it's not a good time to text. —Toronto Star (2017)

It's usually considered polite when a friend or colleague replies to your email promptly. —Daily Mail (2008)

The Trail Runners Association of Hong Kong (TRAHK) has criticised the government for replying to its open letter to the Health Secretary with a statement that "does not address any of the questions raised". —South China Morning Post (2022)

Recommended Further Reading

'Answer to Something' or 'Answer of Something'?
'Respond' or 'Response'?

Real-World Examples of Misuse

You reply to a person, question, message or letter, not reply them.
(Source: St. Paul's Convent School, Primary Section)
(Also by the Same School: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8)

1. The change from Candidate to Candidates is necessary because the handbook is intended for all candidates, not just a single candidate.
2. Adding the definite article the makes it clear that you are referring to a specific, known entity—in this case, the website belonging to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.
3. It is not necessary to capitalise blog because it is not a proper noun.
4. The correct form is reply to when reply is followed by the person or thing to which you respond.
(Also by HKEAA: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15)

1. The preposition to is required when the verb reply is followed by the person or thing to which you are responding.
2. It may be argued that so far is not needed if the school year is still new. The phrase so far suggests that some time has passed, implying that the school year is no longer new. In that case, it might be more appropriate to drop the word new and simply say, 'Are you enjoying the school year so far?'
(Source: Evangel College)
(Also by the Same School: 1/2/3)

1. The preposition to is needed to indicate the recipient of the reply.
2. The use of articles in English, especially with seasons, can vary depending on the preposition and the context of the sentence. With in (the) summer, the definite article the is optional, referring to the season in a general sense. However, with during, the definite article is typically included to denote a specific upcoming or past summer. In this sentence, during the summer is more appropriate because it specifies a plan (going to Hong Kong) that will take place at a specific time in the upcoming summer.