a proportionate reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proportionate reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing responses or actions that are appropriate in scale or intensity relative to a situation or stimulus. Example: "In response to the criticism, the manager's decision to implement changes was seen as a proportionate reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the context of that massive decline, the commission's proposal seems like a proportionate reaction.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Dawes sees it as a proportionate response that prompted an "inconsistent" reaction from Sark locals: "The people of Sark appeared to have just voted very clearly against the investment and jobs brought by my clients to Sark but then protested even more vigorously at these events, which was, on the face of it, entirely inconsistent".

The Guardian

The terrorism acts, he says, "are a broadly proportionate reaction to the current threat".

The Guardian

The reaction to the financial crisis, the authors conclude, looked less like a proportionate response to the losses suffered and "more like old-fashioned 'panic'".Horror storyThe authors' conclusions were reinforced by a separate test administered to a few hundred university students.

The Economist

Downing Street spoke of a "proportionate" response.

The Guardian

"We have a proportionate response in place," he said.

Independent

Instead, we need a proportionate response to extremism.

The Guardian - Tech

I think we do need to make a proportionate response.

Independent

We are simply asking for a proportionate response.

The Guardian - Opinion

In light of this our position is that management action is a proportionate response".

Independent

She claims it's a "proportionate response to people's concerns".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a proportionate reaction", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the relationship between the initial action and the response. The scale and intensity of the reaction should logically align with the preceding event.

Common error

Avoid using "a proportionate reaction" when the response is clearly excessive or insufficient. Ensure the reaction aligns logically with the initial action to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proportionate reaction" functions as a noun phrase where "proportionate" modifies "reaction". As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a response that is appropriate and balanced in relation to a preceding action or event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proportionate reaction" is a phrase used to describe a response that is appropriate in scale and intensity to a preceding action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While relatively rare, its usage is most common in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the response is logically aligned with the initial action to convey fairness and balance. Alternative phrases include "an appropriate response" and "a balanced response".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a balanced response

Replaces 'proportionate' with 'balanced', emphasizing equilibrium and fairness in the reaction.

a commensurate reaction

Substitutes 'proportionate' with 'commensurate', highlighting the comparable scale of the reaction.

an appropriate response

Replaces 'proportionate reaction' with 'appropriate response', focusing on the suitability of the action.

a fitting response

Similar to 'appropriate response', but emphasizing how well the reaction corresponds to the situation.

a measured response

Highlights the careful and deliberate nature of the response, suggesting thoughtful consideration.

a justified reaction

Emphasizes the legitimacy and reason behind the reaction.

a suitable response

Focuses on the reaction being well-suited to the situation at hand.

a reasonable reaction

Highlights the logical and rational basis for the reaction.

a fair response

Emphasizes the impartiality and justice of the reaction.

an equitable response

Similar to 'fair response', but with a stronger emphasis on justice and impartiality.

FAQs

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

You can use "a proportionate reaction" to describe a response that is appropriate in scale or intensity to the initial action or event. For example, "In response to the criticism, the manager's decision to implement changes was seen as a proportionate reaction."

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

You can use alternatives like "an appropriate response", "a balanced response", or "a measured response" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a proportionate reaction"?

Use "a proportionate reaction" when you want to emphasize that the response is justified and not excessive, maintaining fairness and balance in the situation.

Is "a proportionate reaction" the same as "an appropriate reaction"?

While similar, "a proportionate reaction" specifically implies that the scale or intensity of the response is carefully calibrated to the initial action, whereas "an appropriate reaction" simply means the response is suitable or fitting.