a positive reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

'a positive reaction' is correct and is usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a response that is enthusiastic or encouraging. For example: "The audience had a positive reaction to the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was unclear whether this was a positive reaction.

The Guardian - Music

There was also a positive reaction to Hill's appointment.

The Guardian

There has been a positive reaction from Sowetans so far.

The Guardian

By and large, we've had a positive reaction".

The New York Times

Our results indicate a positive reaction to our system.

Decision Support Systems

Ms. Barenholtz said, however, that the ads had been getting a positive reaction from consumers.

The New York Times

I have never had a positive reaction to all the stuff that supposedly promotes the film.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm not sure that there was any formula that would have produced a positive reaction".

The New York Times - Arts

"And the fact that people are talking about soldiers and about Iraq is a positive reaction.

The Guardian - Film

"For every negative reaction, there was a positive reaction from the whole of community," he says.

The Guardian

Marks and Spencer is up 16.5p at 537p in a positive reaction to its results.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experiments or research, use "a positive reaction" to indicate a confirmation or desired result. For example, "The test showed a positive reaction to the antigen".

Common error

While "a positive reaction" is versatile, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Alternatives like "they liked it" or "it went well" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive reaction" functions as a noun phrase, where 'positive' modifies the noun 'reaction'. It describes a response or outcome that is considered favorable or beneficial. As noted by Ludwig, it accurately conveys an encouraging or enthusiastic response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive reaction" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe a favorable or encouraging response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific literature, and academic writing. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. If a more nuanced description is needed, alternatives like ""a favorable response"" or "an enthusiastic reception" may be more suitable. Be aware of potential overuse in casual conversation, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a favorable response

Indicates a generally approving or supportive answer or action, emphasizing the agreeable nature of the reaction.

a favorable reaction

Indicates a generally approving action, emphasizing the agreeable nature of the reaction.

a welcomed response

Highlights that the reaction was desired or anticipated with pleasure.

an enthusiastic reception

Highlights the excitement and warmth of the welcome or acceptance.

a supportive response

Implies backing or encouragement, focusing on the act of providing help or validation.

a good reception

Simple and direct, suggesting that something was well-received.

a warm welcome

Emphasizes the friendliness and cordiality of the greeting.

a gratifying outcome

Focuses on the satisfying result or consequence of an action or event.

an encouraging result

Implies that the result provides motivation or hope for future success.

a receptive audience

Suggests that the people involved are open and willing to accept new ideas or proposals.

FAQs

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

You can use "a positive reaction" to describe an enthusiastic or favorable response. For example, "The new policy received "a favorable response" from employees".

What are some alternatives to "a positive reaction"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like ""a favorable response"", "an enthusiastic reception", or "a supportive response".

Is it always appropriate to use "a positive reaction" in formal writing?

Yes, "a positive reaction" is generally suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the tone matches the overall style of your document. In some cases, more specific language may be preferable.

What does "a positive reaction" mean in a scientific context?

In a scientific context, "a positive reaction" typically indicates that a test or experiment has yielded the expected or desired result. For example, a chemical test might show "a positive result", confirming the presence of a specific substance.