Reply to any email in seconds
Paste the email you got. Add what you want to say in a few words, or leave it empty. Get a full reply with the right greeting, tone and sign-off, ready to send.
How to reply to an email: thank them in one line, answer every question in the order they asked, say what happens next and by when, then sign off. Keep it short. The Contextli Email Reply Generator writes that structure for you from your notes.
The instant version runs in your browser and updates as you type. Nothing is stored or sent anywhere unless you tap Write my reply with AI.
Your reply appears here the moment you paste the email you got.
Or skip the typing. In the Contextli app you click the floating mic in Gmail, Outlook or any app, say it, and the full email is written for you. Get the Contextli app
How to reply to an email with the generator
Three steps, no learning curve.
- 1
Paste the email you got
Copy the email you need to answer and paste it in the first box. The sender name is picked up for the greeting.
- 2
Say what you want, in a few words
Type your answer as rough notes: "yes, march works, call next week". Skip it and you get a polite holding reply.
- 3
Pick a tone and send
Choose Professional, Friendly, Concise or another tone. Check names and dates, copy the reply, and send it.
How to reply to an email: 5 rules that always work
A good reply is short, answers everything, and makes the next step obvious.
Reply within one working day
Even if you cannot answer fully, a two-line "I will get back to you by Thursday" stops the other person from waiting and guessing.
Answer every question, in order
Number your answers if they asked more than one thing. The most common reply mistake is answering one question and missing the second.
Keep the subject line
Reply in the same thread so "Re:" keeps the history together. Only change the subject if the topic really changed.
Say what happens next
End with a clear next step and a date: "I will send the contract by Friday." This is what gets things moving.
Use Reply, not Reply all, by default
Reply all only when everyone on the thread needs your answer. Gmail and Outlook both let you switch before you send.
Read it once before sending
Check names, dates, numbers and attachments. A tool can write the reply, but only you know the facts.
Email reply templates you can copy
Four replies that cover most of your inbox. Fill in the brackets, or paste the email above and let the generator fill them for you.
Yes, and here is the next step
Hi [Name], Thanks for this. Yes, that works for us. The next step is [step], and I will have it to you by [day]. Best regards, [You]
No, politely
Hi [Name], Thank you for thinking of us. We are not able to take this on right now because [short reason]. I would be glad to revisit it in [month]. Best regards, [You]
I need more time
Hi [Name], Thanks for your email. I want to give this a proper answer, so I will reply in full by [day]. If anything is urgent before then, let me know. Best regards, [You]
Answering several questions
Hi [Name], Thanks for the questions. Answers below: 1. [Question one]: [answer] 2. [Question two]: [answer] Happy to talk it through on a call if that is easier. Best regards, [You]
Is it "reply" or "reply to" an email?
Both are correct, they are just used differently. You reply to a person or an email: “I replied to Sarah’s email this morning.” You use reply on its own when there is no object: “Please reply by Friday.” As a noun, you send a reply.
Avoid “reply back”. Reply already means to answer back, so “back” adds nothing.
Real examples
What goes in and what comes out. Paste your own above to get the same treatment.
Email you got: "Can phase one start in March instead of February, and is onboarding included?" Your notes: march is fine. onboarding is included, 2 sessions. call next week if easier
Subject: Re: Proposal questions Hi Sarah, Thank you for your email, and glad the team liked the proposal. 1. Start date: March works for us, so we will plan phase one for then. 2. Onboarding: it is included, with two sessions for your team. If it is easier to go through this live, I am happy to set up a short call next week. Best regards, Alex
Email you got: "Would you be able to speak at our event on the 14th?" Your notes: cant do the 14th, would love to do the next one
Subject: Re: Speaking on the 14th Hi Jordan, Thank you so much for asking, I am honoured. Sadly I cannot make the 14th, but I would love to speak at your next event. Please keep me in mind and send me the date when you have it. Warm regards, Alex
Email you got: "Can you send the Q3 numbers and your comments on the budget draft?" Your notes: (empty)
Subject: Re: Q3 numbers and budget Hi Priya, Thanks for your email. I will send the Q3 numbers and my comments on the budget draft by [day]. Thanks, Alex
Common questions
Sources and further reading
- Gmail Help: reply to or forward an email : how Reply, Reply all and Forward work in Gmail
- Gmail Help: Smart Compose and Smart Reply : the short reply suggestions built into Gmail
- Purdue OWL: email etiquette : subject lines, tone and replies in professional email
- Harvard Business Review: how to write email with military precision : put the answer first, keep it short
- Nielsen Norman Group: email subject lines : why clear subjects get read
- Cambridge Dictionary: reply : reply vs reply to, with examples