a direct response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a direct response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an answer or reply that addresses a question or issue straightforwardly. Example: "I appreciate your feedback, and I will provide a direct response to your concerns in my next email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He never received a direct response.

The New Yorker

We could have a direct response, a direct effect".

The New Yorker

Beijing has yet to give a direct response.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She didn't give a direct response," Sample-Hughes said.

The Washington Post

e-Connect is a direct response to this need.

Columbia University

The initiative is a direct response to the formidable challenges posed by Google and Yahoo.

The New York Times

Handball was established in Britain only six years ago, a direct response to impending Olympic-dom.

The Guardian - Sport

The meeting is a direct response to the worldwide surge in anti-Semitic violence.

The New York Times

The provisions were seen as a direct response to Snowden's disclosures.

The Guardian

It's Gonna Rain, dating from 1965, is a direct response to the Cuban missile crisis.

The Guardian - Music

"It's a direct response to what initially was a need for soccer facilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a direct response", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the response is directly related to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the connection between the action and its consequence.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "a direct response", it is necessarily the only response. A situation can often trigger multiple reactions, and "a direct response" simply highlights one specific reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a direct response" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as a specific reaction or answer to a preceding event or question. As Ludwig AI reports, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a direct response" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a clear and immediate reaction to a specific event or question. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. It's particularly frequent in news and academic contexts, conveying a neutral and professional tone. While alternatives like "an immediate answer" or "a straightforward reply" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to ensure the context clearly indicates what the response is directly related to, avoiding ambiguity. Finally, avoid assuming it's the only response, as situations often trigger multiple reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific answer

Focuses on the detailed and particular nature of the response.

a straightforward reply

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the answer.

an explicit answer

Stresses the clarity and explicitness of the response.

an unambiguous reply

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of potential misinterpretation in the response.

an immediate answer

Emphasizes the speed of the response.

a prompt reaction

Focuses on the quickness and immediacy of the response.

a clear rebuttal

Specifically refers to an answer that opposes or contradicts a previous statement.

an unequivocal statement

Highlights the lack of ambiguity and decisiveness in the response.

a decisive action

Shifts the focus from a verbal response to a concrete action taken as a result.

a targeted solution

Refers to a response that is specifically designed to address a particular problem or issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a direct response" to indicate a reaction or answer that is immediately and clearly related to a specific action or question. For example: "The new policy was "a direct response" to the increasing number of complaints."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a direct response"?

Similar phrases include "an immediate answer", "a straightforward reply", or "a prompt reaction". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always positive to have "a direct response"?

Not necessarily. "A direct response" simply indicates a clear connection between an action and its result. The outcome could be positive, negative, or neutral depending on the circumstances.

What's the difference between "a direct response" and "an indirect response"?

"A direct response" is clear and immediate, while an "indirect response" is more subtle or oblique. An indirect response may not obviously relate to the initial action or question.