Immediate reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Immediate reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response that occurs without delay or hesitation, often in response to an event or stimulus. Example: "Her immediate reaction to the news was one of shock and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Immediate reaction?

BBC

That's my immediate reaction.

The Guardian - Sport

His immediate reaction?

The New York Times

What is your immediate reaction?

Independent

The immediate reaction was ferocious.

The Guardian - Arts

It was an immediate reaction.

The Guardian

My immediate reaction was disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

Dr Castro's immediate reaction was cynical.

The Economist

The immediate reaction was cautious praise.

The New York Times

Administration officials had no immediate reaction.

The New York Times

My immediate reaction was, what the heck?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Immediate reaction" to clearly convey the speed and lack of deliberation in a response. This is particularly effective in describing reactions to unexpected events or stimuli.

Common error

Ensure you're not intending to convey a response that occurs after some time. Using "immediate reaction" when a response is actually delayed will confuse the reader. If the response is not instant, use a phrase like "eventual response" or "later reaction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Immediate reaction" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a response that is quick and without delay. Ludwig AI supports this observation with numerous examples where the phrase acts as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Immediate reaction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe a prompt and spontaneous response, as validated by Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, conveying the speed and lack of deliberation in a reaction. While suitable for various registers, it's crucial to differentiate it from delayed responses or initial impressions. Alternatives like "instantaneous response" and "prompt response" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Understanding its appropriate usage ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Instantaneous response

Emphasizes the speed and near-simultaneous nature of the response.

Prompt response

Highlights the quickness and readiness of the reaction.

Spontaneous reaction

Focuses on the unprompted and natural quality of the reaction.

Reflex response

Suggests an automatic and involuntary reaction.

Knee-jerk reaction

Implies a predictable and often negative or defensive response.

Unhesitating response

Highlights the lack of hesitation or delay in the reaction.

First blush response

Refers to the initial reaction upon first encountering something.

Initial response

Focuses on the reaction that occurs at the beginning.

Rapid response

Similar to prompt, but emphasizes velocity.

Direct response

Underscores the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "Immediate reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "Immediate reaction" to describe a response that occurs without any delay. For example: "Her "immediate reaction" was to call for help."

What are some alternatives to "Immediate reaction"?

Alternatives to "Immediate reaction" include "instantaneous response", "prompt response", or "spontaneous reaction", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "Immediate reaction" or "Instant reaction"?

Both "Immediate reaction" and "Instant reaction" are correct, but "immediate" is slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the context and the tone you want to set. For example: "His "instantaneous response" was fury" sounds just as good as saying "His "immediate reaction" was fury".

What's the difference between "Immediate reaction" and "First impression"?

"Immediate reaction" refers to a response to a specific event or stimulus, while "First impression" refers to the initial feeling or opinion formed about a person or thing. For example, you might have an "immediate reaction" to a sudden noise, but form a "initial response" of a person you meet.