a calculated response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a calculated response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a reply or action that has been thought out carefully and is intended to achieve a specific outcome. Example: "Her silence was not an oversight; it was a calculated response to provoke further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Whether his segue from hate crimes to the death penalty was spontaneous or a calculated response was a matter of speculation today.

The New York Times

What separates the two is not a newfound sensitivity to the preservationist's perspective, but a calculated response to the bottom-line politics of building on the Upper East Side.

The New York Times - Arts

In a calculated response to rumours of an increase in the international presence in Afghanistan, Mr Brown highlighted the Afghans' responsibility for helping to restore order themselves.

Independent

American diplomats in Havana also said they saw President Castro's gestures as a calculated response to the cold front developing at the White House, where President Bush has filled key Latin policy posts with officials who are known for their hard-line views on Cuba.

The New York Times

"It is a calculated response to say, 'We don't want anyone to think the situation is getting out of control, that the ladder of escalation is going to end in a full-scale conflict,' " said Jeffrey A. Bader, who worked on North Korea policy for the Obama administration from 2009 to 2011.

The New York Times

But Sept. 12 offered a new day, a day when we might demonstrate a different kind of response -- not an emergency response, but a calculated response reflecting the wisest, shrewdest, most forceful long-term strategy we might imagine for dealing with the kind of threat Sept. 11 had introduced to our land.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Once it became clear that such interventions were being dreamed up, not because they bore any calculated response to a problem but in the hope that their size alone would "restore confidence to markets", who wouldn't lie awake anxious?

The Guardian

The larger sampling frame for the Comparison schools participants is therefore reflected in a lower calculated response rate.

BMC Public Health

This could be due to the increase in the Att-1-SFGFP theophylline fluorescence trajectory causing a longer calculated response time.

ACS Synthetic Biology

This brand of socratic speculation, allows for a more tranquil and calculated response to life's problems, as opposed to the adrenalin inducing signals that our brain instinctively direct messages to our nervous systems when we become overwhelmed.

Huffington Post

In addition, for seismic design, the stiffness of RECC members of a structure strongly influences the calculated response under seismic action.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a calculated response" when you want to emphasize that an action or statement was not spontaneous but carefully planned to achieve a specific objective.

Common error

Avoid using "a calculated response" in situations where a genuine, heartfelt reaction is expected. It can make the speaker seem insincere or manipulative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a calculated response" functions as a noun phrase, where "calculated" modifies the noun "response". It describes the type of response being given, emphasizing its deliberate and planned nature. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a calculated response" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions or statements that are intentionally planned. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys strategic intent. Related phrases include "a deliberate reaction" and "a strategic answer". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context, avoiding overuse in situations that require genuine emotion. The phrase is useful for emphasizing forethought and planning behind a reaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deliberate reaction

Emphasizes the intentional nature of the response.

a strategic answer

Highlights the planned and goal-oriented aspect of the response.

a planned reply

Focuses on the pre-planned nature of the answer.

a considered reaction

Stresses the thoughtful and careful nature of the response.

an intentional retort

Emphasizes the purposefulness and directness of the response.

a thoughtful comeback

Highlights the careful consideration behind the reply, particularly in a debate or argument.

a premeditated action

Focuses on the fact that the action was considered in advance.

a tactical maneuver

Suggests that the response is part of a larger plan or strategy.

a well-thought-out answer

Indicates that the response has been carefully considered and planned.

a purposeful response

Highlights that the response is driven by a specific intention or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "a calculated response" in a sentence?

You can use "a calculated response" to describe actions or words that are carefully planned. For example, "His silence was not accidental; it was a calculated response to gain leverage in the negotiation."

What are some alternatives to "a calculated response"?

Alternatives include "a deliberate reaction", "a strategic answer", or "a considered reaction", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a calculated response"?

It is appropriate when describing actions or statements that are intentionally planned to achieve a specific effect, especially in strategic or formal contexts. Using "a deliberate reaction" instead may broaden the contexts where it is suitable.

What's the difference between "a calculated response" and "an instinctive reaction"?

"A calculated response" implies careful planning and intention, whereas "an instinctive reaction" suggests a spontaneous, unplanned response. The former is deliberate, while the latter is natural and immediate.