a delayed reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delayed reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response or change that occurs after a certain period of time, often in psychological or physiological contexts. Example: "After the initial shock of the news, she experienced a delayed reaction, feeling the weight of the situation hours later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mrs. Mooney got a delayed reaction about her husband's death.

The New Yorker

"Usually a delayed reaction to traffic lights," Officer Tierney said.

The New York Times

There was a bit of a delayed reaction.

The New York Times

Liberal education is a real eye-opener -- but it has a delayed reaction.

The New York Times

Perhaps that minor tantrum was more a delayed reaction to three-putting 14.

The Guardian - Sport

The loyalty to reality, to the concrete facts of experience, exploded like a delayed reaction.

The New Yorker

If Varitek's scrape with A-Rod inspired the Red Sox, it was a delayed reaction.

The New York Times - Sports

As with steroids, the league is guilty of a delayed reaction.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In this paper, we study the dynamics of a delayed reaction-diffusion rumor model with government control.

Advances in Difference Equations

SNL finally paid off handsomely, but in a delayed-reaction sort of way".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I understood that much of the pent-up rage in the global South was a delayed reaction to earlier Western imperialism, both political and economic.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing emotional reactions, consider using "a delayed reaction" to accurately describe the delayed onset of feelings after an event. This conveys nuance and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Don't assume a complete absence of reaction when there's no immediate response. "A delayed reaction" signifies that the response will occur later, not necessarily that there will be no response at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delayed reaction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "delayed" modifies the noun "reaction". It describes a response that does not occur immediately after a stimulus. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delayed reaction" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a response that occurs after a period of time has passed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and demonstrates its widespread use across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the specific context to convey the intended meaning accurately and avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "a late response" or "a gradual response" may be appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to emphasize. Avoiding assumptions of a complete lack of response when immediate reaction is absent is crucial. Understanding the possible causes of "a delayed reaction", such as shock or the need for processing time, can further enhance communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a late response

Focuses on the timing of the reaction, emphasizing that it happens later than expected.

a lagged response

Emphasizes the delay or lag between the stimulus and the reaction.

a response with a time lag

Clearly states the presence of a time delay in the reaction.

a gradual response

Highlights the slow development of the response over time.

a deferred response

Indicates that the response was postponed or delayed until a later time.

a prolonged response

Focuses on the extended duration of the response, implying a delay in its full manifestation.

a slow-onset response

Emphasizes the gradual beginning or development of the response.

a subsequent response

Highlights that the response follows after a period of time or another event.

a reaction after some time

Simple and direct way to indicate the delay in the reaction.

a response unfolding later

Suggests that the response develops and becomes apparent over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a delayed reaction" to describe a response that occurs after a period of time following an event or stimulus. For instance, "She experienced "a delayed reaction" to the news, processing it fully only hours later".

What's a good alternative to "a delayed reaction"?

Alternatives include "a late response", "a gradual response", or "a lagged response", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have "a delayed reaction"?

Not necessarily. While it can sometimes indicate a slower processing speed or emotional disconnect, "a delayed reaction" can also allow for more thoughtful and considered responses. It depends on the context.

What causes "a delayed reaction"?

"A delayed reaction" can be caused by various factors, including shock, trauma, the need for processing time, or the influence of certain substances. Individual differences in emotional processing also play a role.