You may be sure, though, that the Chomskyan heavy artillery will be making its first ranging shots in reply, even as you read this article.

ECONOMIST: The evolution of language: Babel or babble? | The

In your reply, Borges, you wrote that although you were accustomed to the arrogance of translators, I had clearly taken this occupational disease to new pathological heights.

NPR: Excerpt: 'Borges and the Eternal Orangutans'

You can jump in and start drafting a reply before the initial message is complete.

CNN: The genius brothers behind Google Wave

You can start getting winks and messages from other users, but you have to pay in order to read or reply to those messages.

FORBES: SWM, Dislikes: Humiliation, Likes: Lawsuits

" (I'd like coffee with milk.) To which he'd smile and reply in perfect English: "Would you prefer your milk cold, or steamed?

BBC: Nine must-learn local phrases

Big deal, you might reply, knowing that we already find ourselves in a position where we have the highest water bills in the country, and in a low-wage region.

BBC: South West Water customers asked how cash should be spent

"There's an automated complaint form, which gets an automated reply, which lets you know you're in a queue, and eventually a human being will get around to scrutinising it and do something about it, " he said.

BBC: Google admits profiting from illegal Olympic ticket ads

You may cut me off in mid-sentence or gaze at your Blackberry during my reply.

FORBES: Leaders Pay a Price for Acting Too Smart

" And in such case, "you should destroy this message and kindly notify the sender by reply email.

WSJ: Email Disclaimers Proliferate

Why is it so important that you know how to give a smart, savvy off-the-cuff reply in any impromptu situation at work?

FORBES: Eight Steps to an Impressive Off-the-Cuff Reply at Work