difference between answer and reply

Which Word: answer  replyAnswer and reply are the most common verbs used for speaking or writing as a reaction to a question, letter, etc.Note that you answer a person, question, or letter, not “answer to” them, but you reply tosomeone or something: I’m writing to answer your questions I’m writing to reply to your questions. I’m writing to answer to your questions.Answer can be used with or without an object: I haven't answered her e-mail yet. I knocked on the door but no one answered.Reply is often used with the actual words spoken: “I won’t let you down,” he replied.Respond is less common and more formal: The directors refused to respond to questions.You can only answer a door or a phone.⇨ See also rejoin, retort, get back to someone

What is the difference between "to answer" and "to reply"?? When I must use "to answer"? When "to reply"?

To reply or to answer is to respond to a question. There is no difference among the two; however, it does depend on the context; for example, you answer the phone, you don’t respond or reply to the phone.

Both mean the same thing. You can reply to or answer an email. You can answer your phone if someone rings you. You can reply to what they are saying.

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最佳答案 - 提問者選出

Both have a similar meaning, however you "reply TO (something)" whereas you simply "answer (something)".

If this helps any, "reply" is Latin-based, literally "to fold back". "Answer" is from Old English, meaning "to swear or affirm (or rebut)".

If there is a way to decide when to use these words, match the Latin-based words when you wish to sound formal or businesslike (centuries ago, upper-class and educated English people often used French for communication), and match the Old English/Germanic/Scandinavian-based words when you wish to sound more direct or comfortable. It's not a fixed rule, but most good writers are aware of differences like this.