In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to answer a question.
- Professional, polite, and direct acknowledgment.
- Explicitly links reply to previous inquiry.
- Signals important information is forthcoming.
Meaning
This phrase is your formal handshake in a conversation, gracefully signaling that what you're about to say is a direct and professional reply to an earlier question or request. It adds a crucial layer of politeness and clarity, letting the other person know you've acknowledged their specific inquiry and are now providing the relevant information.
Key Examples
3 of 11Replying to a client's email about project status.
`In response to your query, the full project report will be finalized by end of day.`
The full project report will be finalized by the end of the day, as you asked.
A customer asking about product availability in an online chat.
`In response to your query, item #345 is currently out of stock, but restocking next week.`
Item #345 is currently out of stock, answering your question, but restocking next week.
A company responding to a public inquiry on Twitter via Direct Message.
`DM: In response to your query about our updated return policy, please visit our FAQ page or contact support.`
DM: Regarding your question about our updated return policy, please visit our FAQ page or contact support.
Cultural Background
British English speakers use 'query' very frequently in everyday professional life. It is seen as polite and less aggressive than 'question'. In the US, 'query' can sound slightly more technical or old-fashioned. 'Inquiry' or 'question' is often used in general business, but 'query' is standard in tech support. When Japanese professionals use this phrase in English, it is a way to bridge the gap between Japanese honorifics (Keigo) and English business standards. German speakers often appreciate the precision of 'query'. It matches the German preference for clear, categorized communication (Anfrage).
Use for Clarity
If an email has multiple questions, use this phrase followed by a bulleted list to show you are answering each one.
Don't Overuse
If you use this in every single sentence of an email, you will sound like a legal robot. Use it once at the beginning.
In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to answer a question.
- Professional, polite, and direct acknowledgment.
- Explicitly links reply to previous inquiry.
- Signals important information is forthcoming.
What It Means
Ever feel like you need a formal drumroll before delivering important information? That’s exactly what in response to your query does. It's a polite, professional way to say, "Hey, you asked, and here’s my answer!" Think of it as a verbal bridge. You’re connecting your current message directly back to their previous question. It’s perfect for official communication. It screams, "I heard you, and I’m taking your question seriously." It helps clarify that your message isn't out of the blue. Instead, it's a direct follow-up, keeping the conversation flow clear and respectful.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is quite straightforward. Place it right at the beginning of your email or formal message. It signals immediately that you are addressing a previous communication. You then follow it directly with the information requested. For example, you might write, In response to your query, the meeting has been rescheduled for next Tuesday. It’s clear, concise, and professional. You can also phrase it slightly differently, like Further to your query, I have attached the updated documents. This variation works just as well. It’s all about setting the right expectation for the reader. They instantly know they're receiving an answer to their specific question.
Formality & Register
This phrase lives firmly in the formal lane. You wouldn't use it while casually chatting with your best friend. Imagine sending a text saying, "In response to your query, wanna grab pizza tonight?" It would be absolutely hilarious, but totally incorrect for that context! Save it for important emails to your boss, senior colleagues, or clients. Use it for official company announcements or in academic papers. It fits perfectly in formal reports or legal documents. It conveys respect, seriousness, and professionalism. This phrase is your go-to for situations demanding a certain gravitas. It’s not stuffy; it’s just seriously polite. Think of it as putting on your linguistic suit and tie.
Real-Life Examples
You’ll see this phrase used frequently in customer service emails. For instance, if you ask a bank a question, their reply might begin, In response to your query regarding your account balance, we can confirm it is up to date. Project managers often use it too. If you inquire about a project deadline, they might write, In response to your query about the project timeline, we anticipate completion by Friday afternoon. Even government agencies employ it. Applying for a visa? You might receive a letter stating, In response to your query about your application status, it is currently under review. It's pervasive throughout the professional world, from corporate boardrooms to online support chats.
When To Use It
Use in response to your query whenever you're replying to a formal question. Think customer support interactions, where clarity and politeness are key. When someone asks a specific, direct question, this phrase works wonders to frame your reply. Use it in professional emails to maintain a respectful and clear tone. When writing official reports or academic papers, it helps you clearly link your sections or arguments back to specific questions or hypotheses. You can even use it in formal presentations. Imagine saying, In response to your query from the audience, here is the supporting data. It helps make your answer clear, makes you sound organized, and shows you're attentive. It's like a linguistic 'dot connector,' ensuring everyone follows the conversation's thread.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase at all costs in casual conversations. Don't use it with your friends, family, or even close colleagues in informal settings. It will sound incredibly stiff, awkward, and unnatural. Imagine your sibling asking what's for dinner, and you reply, In response to your query, pasta. No, absolutely not. Skip it entirely in text messages, WhatsApp chats, or social media comments. It’s far too formal for these quick, informal platforms. Furthermore, don't use it if the preceding communication wasn't actually a "query." If someone just made a statement or offered an observation, this phrase won't fit. It specifically implies you are directly answering a question or fulfilling a request for information. Keep it professional, keep it formal, and know your audience.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake is using this phrase in highly informal settings, where it creates an awkward, overly rigid tone.
Hey! In response to your query, what's up with the party tonight?
✓Hey! What's up with the party tonight?
Another frequent error is employing it when no direct question was actually asked, making your statement seem out of place.
I saw your social media post. In response to your query, I strongly disagree with that opinion.
✓I saw your social media post. I strongly disagree with that opinion. (Unless they *specifically* asked for your opinion, which is rare on social media, you weren't queried.)
Sometimes people also use redundant or overly wordy phrases alongside it.
In response to your query, I am writing to inform you that we have processed your refund.
✓In response to your query, your refund has been processed.
Always aim for clarity and conciseness. You want your communication to be understood, not to win a word count competition!
Common Variations
While in response to your query is quite a specific and formal phrase, there are several variations and similar formal alternatives you can use. Regarding your inquiry, ... is very similar in meaning and formality, often interchangeable in many professional contexts. Further to your question, ... also works exceptionally well, especially when directly referencing a previous email or conversation point. With reference to your email dated [date], ... is another excellent option, particularly when you need to specify which previous communication you are addressing. For something slightly less formal but still professional, you might use About your question, ... or Regarding what you asked, .... In highly specialized contexts, like legal correspondence, phrases like Per your request, ... or Pursuant to your request, ... are common. Each variation carries a slightly different nuance, but they all serve the same core purpose: formally introducing an answer to a question. It’s like having different tools for different shades of formality.
Real Conversations
Customer Service Representative (email): "Thank you for contacting us. How can I assist you today?"
Customer: "I'd like to know why my order hasn't shipped yet."
Customer Service Representative (reply email): "Certainly. In response to your query, your order experienced a slight delay due to unforeseen supply chain issues. It is now expected to ship within 24 hours. We apologize for the inconvenience."
HR Manager (inter-departmental email): "Subject: Your Vacation Request Update"
Employee (previous email): "Hi [Manager's Name], I submitted a vacation request last week for July. Could you please let me know its status when you have a moment?"
HR Manager (reply email): "Dear [Employee's Name], In response to your query regarding your vacation request, it has been approved for the specified dates. Enjoy your time off!"
University Professor (online forum reply): "Student: Professor, I have a quick question about the Module 3 assignment deadline. Is it still Friday?"
Professor (forum reply): "Dear Student, In response to your query about the Module 3 assignment deadline, yes, it has been officially extended to Friday at 5 PM. I hope that helps with your planning."
Quick FAQ
Q. Can I use "in response to your query" in an instant message or a casual text to a colleague?
A. No, absolutely not! It's far too formal for instant messaging or casual texts. Using it there would sound stiff, awkward, and might even be seen as sarcastic. Stick to direct, informal answers in those contexts.
Q. Is it acceptable to shorten "in response to your query" in professional emails?
A. While you might see "Re: your query" in an email subject line, using in response to your query is generally preferred for the opening sentence of a formal response. It offers a more complete and polite acknowledgment of the recipient's original question.
Q. What's the main difference between "in response to your query" and "regarding your question"?
A. They are very close in meaning and often interchangeable. However, in response to your query tends to be slightly more formal and explicitly emphasizes that your communication is a *direct answer* to a *specific request for information*. Regarding your question is a little broader.
Q. Should I use this phrase if I'm providing information that wasn't explicitly asked for?
A. No, you should avoid using it in such cases. This phrase explicitly links your communication to a *previous question or request*. If no query was made, using it would be misleading and sound quite odd or presumptuous to the recipient.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly formal and should be reserved for professional, academic, or administrative written communication. It explicitly acknowledges a prior question or request, establishing a clear link between the recipient's query and your reply. Avoid using it in casual conversations or informal digital messages, as it will sound stiff and out of place.
Use for Clarity
If an email has multiple questions, use this phrase followed by a bulleted list to show you are answering each one.
Don't Overuse
If you use this in every single sentence of an email, you will sound like a legal robot. Use it once at the beginning.
Query vs Question
In the UK, 'query' is very common. In the US, 'query' sounds more like a technical term for a computer search.
Examples
11`In response to your query, the full project report will be finalized by end of day.`
The full project report will be finalized by the end of the day, as you asked.
Formally acknowledges the client's question before providing a crucial update.
`In response to your query, item #345 is currently out of stock, but restocking next week.`
Item #345 is currently out of stock, answering your question, but restocking next week.
Provides a direct, formal answer, linking back to the customer's specific product question in a support chat.
`DM: In response to your query about our updated return policy, please visit our FAQ page or contact support.`
DM: Regarding your question about our updated return policy, please visit our FAQ page or contact support.
Even in a social media DM, maintains a formal and helpful tone for customer service issues.
`In response to your query regarding health benefits, a detailed brochure has been attached.`
A detailed brochure about health benefits has been attached, as you inquired.
Used to formally preface important information in an official company document.
`In response to your query dated October 26th, we have provided the requested discovery documents.`
As a reply to your question from October 26th, we have given you the requested discovery documents.
Very formal and precise language, common in legal or diplomatic written communication.
✗ `In response to your query, want to meet up for coffee later?` → ✓ `Hey, want to meet up for coffee later?`
✗ As a reply to your question, do you want to meet up for coffee later? → ✓ Hey, do you want to meet up for coffee later?
Too formal and stiff for a casual text message; sounds unnatural and overly serious.
✗ `In response to your query, I wanted to tell you about our new product launch.` → ✓ `I wanted to tell you about our new product launch.`
✗ As a reply to your question, I wanted to tell you about our new product launch. → ✓ I wanted to tell you about our new product launch.
Incorrectly implies a question was asked when the email is actually initiating new information.
`Okay, `In response to your query` (just kidding, it's me!), the files are attached for your review.`
Okay, responding to your question (just kidding, it's me!), the files are attached for your review.
Using the phrase ironically to playfully lighten a formal setting with a touch of self-aware humor.
`After much deliberation, `in response to your query` about the budget cuts, we must proceed as planned.`
After much thought, responding to your question about budget cuts, we must proceed as planned.
The phrase's formality can add a somber, serious tone when delivering unwelcome news that was specifically asked about.
`Support Team: `In response to your query` regarding your refund, it has been processed and should reflect within 3-5 business days.`
Support Team: Answering your question about your refund, it has been processed and should reflect within 3-5 business days.
Even in modern app interfaces, formal language is often used for official customer communications.
`Dear [Student Name], `In response to your query` on Module 3, section 2.1 offers further clarification.`
Dear [Student Name], Answering your question about Module 3, section 2.1 offers further clarification.
Maintains an appropriate academic formality in an online learning environment, showing respect to the student.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal email opening.
In ________ to your query, we have attached the invoice.
The phrase requires the noun 'response'.
Which preposition is correct?
In response ____ your query, the office is closed.
'Response' is followed by the preposition 'to'.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Where would you most likely see 'In response to your query'?
This is a formal business phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the most professional option.
Customer: 'Is the blue dress available in size 10?' Clerk: '________________, let me check our inventory.'
This is the most professional and polite option provided.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIn ________ to your query, we have attached the invoice.
The phrase requires the noun 'response'.
In response ____ your query, the office is closed.
'Response' is followed by the preposition 'to'.
Where would you most likely see 'In response to your query'?
This is a formal business phrase.
Customer: 'Is the blue dress available in size 10?' Clerk: '________________, let me check our inventory.'
This is the most professional and polite option provided.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, usually. To a colleague you know well, 'About your question' or 'To answer your question' is better.
Absolutely. 'Inquiry' is a perfect synonym and is actually more common in American English.
A 'query' is usually a formal request for information or a doubt, while 'question' is the general term for anything asked.
It is always 'In response to'. 'In response of' is a common mistake.
No, it is almost always used at the beginning to introduce the answer.
No. 'Query' sounds like 'KWEER-ee'. 'Choir' sounds like 'KWY-er'.
Related Phrases
Regarding your inquiry
synonymAbout the question you asked.
Further to our conversation
similarFollowing up on what we talked about.
In reply to
synonymAnswering your message.
With reference to
similarLooking at the specific thing you mentioned.