a predictable reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a predictable reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a response or behavior that can be anticipated based on certain circumstances or stimuli. Example: "Given the circumstances, it was a predictable reaction for her to feel upset about the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Trump looked at these charges on Monday and had a predictable reaction.

The New Yorker

But on balance, he judged it a ruse".A large component of what they do is designed to get a predictable reaction," he said.

The New York Times

Whatever is finally uncovered about the shape and character of the plot, a predictable reaction to the news has already started to take shape.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Betances arrived, Murphy could sense that Betances was obsessing over his mistakes — a predictable reaction for a top prospect who was free-falling through the system.

The New York Times - Sports

A predictable reaction to the Wal-Mart de Mexico affair will be that bribery is the price of doing business in a country where corruption is rife.

The New York Times

11.23pm GMT An American security expert has said the terrorist attack in Algeria was a predictable reaction to French military intervention in Mali and foreign companies should have heightened their security.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

SSR, on the other hand, is a simple, predictable reaction leading to a high number of transgenic clones that contain precise site-specific integration [ 9– 13].

BMC Biotechnology

Getting out of town is a totally predictable reaction to humongous sporting events perpetrated on the citizenry.

The New York Times - Sports

In the main, the D-mark's weakness has been a wholly predictable reaction to the sickly state of the German economy.

The Economist

The important thing to understand is that the U.S. dollar generally has a fairly predictable reaction to changes in fundamental economic factors.

Forbes

In retrospect this was a somewhat predictable reaction to the crazed and chaotic sixties counterculture movement and all that entailed, but in any event, many people became new Christians, some temporarily and others more lastingly.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a predictable reaction" when you want to emphasize that a response was easily anticipated given the circumstances. For instance, "The market's downturn was a predictable reaction to the economic news."

Common error

Avoid using "a predictable reaction" as a generic placeholder for more descriptive verbs. Instead of saying "His response was a predictable reaction", specify what the response was: "He predictably resigned" or "He predictably denied the allegations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a predictable reaction" functions as a noun phrase, where 'predictable' modifies 'reaction'. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a response or behavior that was anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a predictable reaction" is a noun phrase used to describe an anticipated response, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. While not extremely common, the phrase is valuable for conveying that a response was foreseeable based on existing knowledge or patterns. For more nuanced communication, consider alternatives like "an expected response" or "a foreseeable consequence". Avoiding overuse and opting for more descriptive verbs will enhance your writing's precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expected response

Emphasizes the anticipation of the reaction.

a foreseeable consequence

Focuses on the reaction as a result of something.

an anticipated outcome

Highlights the expectation of the result.

a typical response

Suggests the reaction is common or standard.

a standard reaction

Implies the reaction is ordinary and routine.

a routine response

Indicates the reaction is part of a regular pattern.

an inevitable reaction

Stresses the unavoidable nature of the reaction.

a natural response

Suggests the reaction is instinctive or inherent.

a logical response

Highlights the rationality or reason behind the reaction.

a common reaction

Indicates that the reaction is frequently observed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a predictable reaction" to describe an expected response to a situation, such as: "The public's outrage was "a predictable reaction" to the company's unethical behavior."

What are some alternatives to saying "a predictable reaction"?

Alternatives to "a predictable reaction" include phrases like "an expected response", "a foreseeable consequence", or "an anticipated outcome", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "predictable reaction" or "expected reaction"?

Both "predictable reaction" and "expected reaction" are correct, but "predictable" implies a higher degree of certainty based on known factors. "Expected" is a more general term. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a reaction "predictable"?

A reaction is considered "predictable" when it can be reasonably anticipated based on prior knowledge, patterns, or established cause-and-effect relationships. For example, "a knee-jerk reaction" to a sudden loud noise is often predictable.