When do I use "Answer" and when do I use "Reply"?

"Answer" = respond to a question, phone, or door (no "to"). "Reply" = respond to a message, email, or letter (with "to").

What is the most common mistake with "Answer" and "Reply"?

"Reply the phone" does not exist in English: phones and doors are only "answered". For messages, emails, and comments, "reply to" is more idiomatic than "answer".

How do I remember the difference between "Answer" and "Reply"?

"Reply" almost always needs "to" before its object: "reply to the email". "Answer" is direct without a preposition: "answer the question", "answer the phone".

Resources

Lecciones de gramática Por temas Flash cards Lecturas Ejercicios de listening Glosario Falsos amigos ¿Cuál usar?Sufijos Prefijos

Discover your level Blog

ESEN

Which one to use?Intermediateverbo / sustantivoverbo / sustantivo

AnswervsReply

"Answer" responds to a question or call; "reply" responds to a message, letter, or comment.

Side-by-side comparison

Answer

verbo / sustantivo

To give a response to a question. To pick up the phone or door. Broader in use.

Can someone answer the door? I have my hands full.
She did not answer my question. She changed the subject.
I called three times but he did not answer.

verbo / sustantivo

To respond to a written message, email, letter, comment, or in formal conversation.

I have not had time to reply to her email yet.
He replied with a one-word message: "No."
Please reply to this invitation by Friday.

Common mistake

•"Reply the phone" does not exist in English: phones and doors are only "answered".
•For messages, emails, and comments, "reply to" is more idiomatic than "answer".

Trick to remember it

•"Reply" almost always needs "to" before its object: "reply to the email".
•"Answer" is direct without a preposition: "answer the question", "answer the phone".

Quick rule

•"Answer" = respond to a question, phone, or door (no "to").
•"Reply" = respond to a message, email, or letter (with "to").

Did you know?

In email software, the universal buttons are "Reply" and "Reply All", never "Answer". The out-of-office automatic response is "Auto-reply". And in a legal or ethical context, "You need to answer for your actions" uses "answer", not "reply", because it implies direct accountability, not just a message exchange.