Reply most commonly takes to before the person, message, or question. Other prepositions can introduce the method, language, or topic of the reply.
Use reply to someone or something as the main pattern. Reply with introduces the content or reaction. In can show language or tone, by can show communication method, and on can introduce a topic.
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
To introduces the person, question, email, or comment receiving the reply.
With introduces the content or type of response.
In can describe the language, tone, or format used.
By often introduces communication method or a deadline.
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Reply normally takes to before a person or message.
✕ reply my email ✓ reply to my emailWith introduces the response, not the person addressed.
✕ reply with the manager ✓ reply to the managerBy shows method or deadline; with shows content.
✕ reply by a short answer ✓ reply with a short answerOn usually introduces a topic.
✕ reply on her message ✓ reply to her messageChoose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
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It is common in informal speech, but reply already includes the idea of answering.
Usually no when naming the receiver. Use reply to someone or something.
It usually introduces a communication method or a deadline, such as reply by email or reply by Friday.
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