a definite response

USAGE SUMMARY

"a definite response" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to a response that is clear and certain, without any ambiguity or doubt. Example sentence: After I asked her what she thought of the plan, she gave me a definite response.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I can't give a definite response in terms of the number of days or weeks," Dr. O'Mahony said.

The New York Times - Health

Phrasing a question by rewording it into a rhetorical one gives the interviewee a period to think through a definite response (although caution should be observed that the "right" words are not put into the mind of the interviewee).

Harvard Business Review

Without the use of a formal questionnaire and further analysis, a definite response to this question does not exist.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

If again there was no (negative or positive) response, phone operators were calling those whose telephone numbers were publicly accessible and tried to obtain a definite response about participation or non-participation.

BMC Geriatrics

Two hundred twelve of 255 patients with pain in the cervical spine reported a definite response to initial lidocaine blocks, 53 of 72 patients with thoracic spine pain after lidocaine blocks and 198 of 397 patients with lumbar spine pain after lidocaine blocks.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

See research article http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7007/8/75 is is more than 50 years since the term pheromone was proposed to label a category of chemical signals produced by one member of a species that elicit a definite response in another member of the same species.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The present "insult," the communiqué adds, will be met by a "correspondingly definite response".

The New York Times

In order to get a significant and definite response with the various stimulations (since 10 µM is a threshold concentration for stimulation) we employed concentrations of 20 µM NMDA and dopamine each.

Plosone

A value of 1 was assigned to a definite "no" response and a value of 5 was assigned to a definite "yes" response.

Plosone

But she wasn't the only one on this evening displaying a definite visceral response to the work.

Huffington Post

In the absence of a definite policy response, concerns are intensifying that the euro zone crisis could send punishing shockwaves throughout the world's financial system.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarity in communication, use "a definite response" to emphasize the need for an unambiguous and clear answer.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite response" when you mean "a definitive response". "Definite" implies clarity and certainty, while "definitive" implies being the final, ultimate answer. Ensure you choose the word that accurately reflects your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite response" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating that it is a standard and usable part of English grammar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite response" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to express the need for a clear and unambiguous answer. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable part of English. While found across various contexts, it appears commonly in scientific and news publications, suggesting a neutral register. If you're aiming for clarity and certainty in communication, this phrase effectively conveys that need. Consider alternatives like "a clear response" or "a certain response" to slightly shift the emphasis, and avoid confusion with "definitive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A clear response

Focuses on the clarity of the answer, rather than its certainty.

A certain response

Emphasizes the assuredness of the reaction or answer.

A decisive response

Highlights the conclusive nature of the answer.

A firm response

Implies a strong and unwavering answer.

An unambiguous response

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the reply.

A concrete response

Highlights that the response is based on facts.

A straightforward response

Indicates an honest and direct answer.

A categorical response

Stresses a clear, without any condition, response.

A tangible response

Highlights that the response can be clearly observed.

A real response

Emphasizes that the response is authentic and genuine.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definite response" to indicate a clear and unambiguous answer. For example, "I need a definite response by tomorrow."

What is the difference between "a definite response" and "a clear response"?

"A definite response" emphasizes the certainty of the answer, while "a clear response" highlights its understandability. While similar, "definite" focuses on the lack of ambiguity, and "clear" on the ease of comprehension.

What can I say instead of "a definite response"?

You can use alternatives like "a certain response", "a firm response", or "a decisive response", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very definite response"?

While not strictly incorrect, "a very definite response" can be seen as slightly redundant, as "definite" already implies a high degree of certainty. Consider using a stronger verb or restructuring the sentence for emphasis instead.