looking for positive reply vs looking for a positive reply

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Looking for a positive reply' is the more common and natural way to express this idea. However, 'looking for positive reply' could be used in a more informal or conversational setting.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 769 views

This phrase is not commonly used in formal English, but it could be acceptable in informal or conversational contexts.

"looking for positive reply"

This phrase could be used in a casual conversation or informal setting when expressing the desire for a positive response.

Show examples from the web [+]

I had the feeling in our discussions that we really were looking for positive solutions.
We are looking for positive results by then, or all our complaints will be repeated with stricter conditions attached.
Madam President gave me a positive reply and I thank her for that.
I hope we can come to a positive reply.
I am delighted to hear your upbeat and very positive reply.
I welcome the positive reply given by Commissioner Verheugen on this.
I am still awaiting a positive reply from the Belarusian authorities.
Sometimes I have the impertinence to wonder whether they are fully aware of the scope and the possible consequences of a positive reply to their requests.
In this case too I believe we have a positive reply.
I am pleased to tell you that I have already received positive replies from a number of Member States and several EU regions.
I must thank Mr Santer for his positive reply, which informed me of an extra 26 million ECU to repair public and farming infrastructures on the islands.
The Authorities of these countries were contacted concerning the possible existence of RBMs producers in their country but no positive reply was received within the defined deadline.
In principle, we should be giving a positive reply, at least I hope that things are moving in that direction.
The second question, whether there should be an EU standard covering both the calculation method and the cost elements, should undoubtedly receive a positive reply in principle.
We are hoping for a positive reply and a positive response from the Turkish side.
The Requesting State informs the Requested State if a positive reply to the readmission application has been received from the country of origin in the meantime.
Thank you, Commissioner, for your positive reply, which makes clear your readiness to promote the situation of women.
Mr President, I trust you will give me a positive reply, in view of the promises made by the Commissioner initially responsible, Mrs Scrivener, during the Parliamentary debates in 1990 and 1991.
After examination of the information submitted, and given the relatively low number of positive replies for further cooperation from both Community producers and importers, it was decided that sampling was only necessary with regard to exporters.
The four positive replies were submitted by representatives of the spirits industry. They even consider that the Commission did not go far enough in its decision to initiate the procedure and that the German spirits monopoly must be thoroughly reformed.

Alternatives:

looking for a positive reply
seeking a positive response
hoping for a positive answer
expecting a positive reply
searching for a positive response

This is the more common and standard way to express the idea of seeking a positive response.

"looking for a positive reply"

This phrase is the standard way to express the desire for a positive response in formal or informal contexts.

Show examples from the web [+]

We are hoping for a positive reply and a positive response from the Turkish side.
Madam President gave me a positive reply and I thank her for that.
I hope we can come to a positive reply.
I am still awaiting a positive reply from the Belarusian authorities.
Sometimes I have the impertinence to wonder whether they are fully aware of the scope and the possible consequences of a positive reply to their requests.
In this case too I believe we have a positive reply.
I'm giving you one more chance for a positive grade.
No. He's too far away for a positive lock.
We believe that this has created the framework for a positive outcome.
We contacted you for a positive I.D.
We will probably need Dna for a positive identification.
The DNA is too degraded for a positive match to either victim.
We'll need dental records for a positive i.d.
Anti-EU campaigns in countries such as Ireland have clearly demonstrated the need for a positive communication strategy.
So I hope for a positive response.
We're still waiting for a positive I.D.
We're waiting for a positive ID.
We'll hope for a positive outcome, but you should be prepared.
I am hoping for a positive response from Mrs Fischer Boel.
We are hoping for a positive outcome in the Czech Senate in Prague.

Alternatives:

looking for positive feedback
searching for a positive response
hoping for a positive reply
expecting a positive answer
seeking a favorable response

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looking for positive reply vs looking for a positive reply