For retaliation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "For retaliation" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where an action is taken in response to a perceived wrong or harm. Example: "He acted for retaliation after being insulted." Alternative expressions include "in revenge" and "as retribution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She sued for retaliation.

The New York Times

Watch for retaliation there.

The New Yorker

Taking credit means asking for retaliation.

The New York Times

And the Arab spring has reduced Iran's scope for retaliation.

The Economist

Beckham was sent off for retaliation against Diego Simeone.

The Guardian - Sport

Our grief is not a cry for retaliation.

The New York Times

So she did something terrible, for retaliation, for revenge.

The Guardian

There was no shortage of calls for retaliation.

The New York Times

Exports derived from subsidiaries of American-based multinationals are clearly not good targets for retaliation.

The Economist

Although some elders urged restraint, a number of young voices called for retaliation.

The New York Times

Officials denounced Israel and the U.S. and called for retaliation for the killing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for retaliation", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial act or offense that prompts the retaliatory action. This provides clarity and justification for the response.

Common error

Avoid using "for retaliation" to describe proactive or preventative actions. Retaliation is a response to a prior action, not an initial act. For example, don't say "They built defenses for retaliation", when "They built defenses as a precaution" is more accurate if no attack has occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for retaliation" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the purpose or reason behind an action. As evidenced by Ludwig, it specifies that an action is taken in response to a perceived wrong or harm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for retaliation" is a common adverbial phrase that denotes the purpose behind an action, indicating it is a response to a perceived wrong or harm. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and most frequently used in news and media contexts. While often carrying a negative connotation, it can also describe justified responses. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the initial offense and consider alternatives like "in revenge" or "as reprisal" depending on the desired nuance. Avoiding its use for proactive measures is also crucial for maintaining accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in retribution

Emphasizes a more formal and often legal context of exacting punishment.

as revenge

Directly implies an act of vengeance for a perceived wrong.

in response to aggression

Highlights the reactive nature of the action, specifically against aggression.

to avenge oneself

Focuses on the personal aspect of seeking revenge.

by way of reprisal

Suggests a formal or official act of retaliation.

as a countermeasure

Frames the action as a defensive response to an attack or threat.

to exact vengeance

Highlights the act of inflicting punishment as a form of revenge.

in retaliation

Implies a direct and immediate response to an action.

as a punitive measure

Suggests a formal and corrective action in response to wrongdoing.

in return for harm

Emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in responding to harm.

FAQs

How can I use "for retaliation" in a sentence?

You can use "for retaliation" to describe an action taken in response to a perceived wrong. For example, "The country launched a cyberattack "in retaliation" after its critical infrastructure was targeted".

What are some alternatives to using "for retaliation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in revenge", "as reprisal", or "in retribution" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always negative to act "for retaliation"?

While "for retaliation" often implies a negative connotation due to its association with revenge, it can also describe justified responses to aggression or harm, especially in legal or defensive contexts.

What's the difference between "for retaliation" and "in self-defense"?

"For retaliation" implies a response to a past action, while "in self-defense" suggests an action taken to prevent an immediate or ongoing threat. The former is reactive, while the latter is protective.