early reply - Is this phrase really English

What are your thoughts on "I look forward to an early reply" -
Is this really English?

My gut reaction is "no", because I've never used it or seen it. However, I've now done a bit of googling and noticed that it seems to be a commonly bandied around phrase.

In my feedback to students I've always highlighted this phrase as "not particularly natural English"- always use "prompt reply" or "I look forward to....... as soon as possible".


What are other teacher's thoughts on this. Is "early reply" commonly used? - In my XX years of life have I just not seen enough of the world?

I agree with you. "Prompt reply" is more natural and more accurate.

"I look forward to an/your early reply" is fairly common in BrE.

emsr2d2 said:

"I look forward to an/your early reply" is fairly common in BrE.

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Funny that, being a Brit, I'd assumed it was an Amercanism!

As an American, I would ask what "early" means. That is subjective at best.

I think it is taken to mean "at your earliest convenience", another fairly regularly used phrase.
"An early reply would be appreciated" was a common ending to notes and emails when I was in the Civil Service.

"at your earliest convenience" I've got no problem with, although I would never use it, but the "early reply" variation is "new" to me.

Looks like it could be one of those kind of idomatic phrases that unless you're used to it, it feels wrong.
I spent years correcting "Sincerely yours" to "Yours sincerely" until I found out that it was commonly used in US Eng. Doh!

The use of early to me doesn't inhibit understanding but it does read to me as if they are saying "early (in the day)".

I agree with "at your earliest convenience".

Please correct the information in your profile, Jabberwocky.

Jabberwocky said:

Funny that, being a Brit, I'd assumed it was an Amercanism!

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That's 'fairly common in BrE [of a certain vintage]'

b

I am not a teacher.

I communicate by email on a daily basis with Asians in general and Chinese in particular and "early reply" is the sort of thing I see all the time.

In my experience it is reserved for those with basic knowledge of English and extensive knowledge of Google Translate.

I'm sure the esteemed employees of the British Civil Service will be delighted to learn they are all using a phrase "reserved for those with basic knowledge of English and extensive knowledge of Google Translate".