Guide 74 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “answer”
Five verbs for responding — each specifying the kind of response.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Respond" is the neutral choice. "Address" says you engaged with the substance. "Rebut" says you pushed back. The verb carries the stance.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Respond neutral
standard reply
Respond to the query by end of day.
- 02Reply neutral
turn-by-turn correspondence
Reply to the email in the thread.
- 03Address formal
engage with the substance
Address the concerns raised in the review.
- 04Acknowledge formal
confirm receipt
Acknowledge the request in writing.
- 05Rebut formal
push back with argument
Rebut the allegation in the filing.
- 06Follow up neutral
revisit after a gap
Follow up on last week's request.