a retort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a retort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quick, witty, or sharp reply, often in response to a comment or criticism. Example: "When he criticized her work, she had a clever retort ready that left everyone in the room impressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And Coulter had a retort.

The Washington Post

Now a retort is a click away.

The New York Times - Sports

The A.H.D. was a retort to Web.

The New Yorker

That prompted a retort from Mr. Mendik.

The New York Times

Truth is a retort to falsehood.

The Guardian - Books

But when a troll, aka a cyberbully, insulted her education, she couldn't resist a retort.

Princeton University

Bush didn't like it: he offered a retort and then left the stage.

The New Yorker

Nora ignores the birth control remark; her silence is as powerful a retort as any.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Bernanke offered a retort to critics, saying, "We're not printing money.

The New York Times

As he recalled in a recent interview, Mr. Paterson could not resist a retort.

The New York Times

The comment prompted a retort from Mr. Sall that his country was not "homophobic".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a retort" when you want to emphasize the clever, witty, or sharp nature of a reply. It's particularly effective when describing a quick and insightful response to a challenge or criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "a retort" in situations that require a sincere or empathetic response. The phrase implies a level of sharpness or wit that may be inappropriate in serious or sensitive conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a retort" functions as a noun phrase indicating a specific type of response: one that is typically quick, sharp, and often witty. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its frequent use in describing verbal exchanges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a retort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a quick, sharp, or witty reply. As noted by Ludwig AI, it often conveys a sense of cleverness or incisiveness. While its register is generally neutral, context dictates its specific tone. It's common in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts. When using this phrase, consider the potential for misinterpretation in serious or sensitive situations, and remember that alternatives like "a quick reply" or "a sharp comeback" may be more appropriate depending on the scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp reply

Emphasizes the direct and potentially critical nature of the response.

a sharp comeback

Emphasizes the incisive and potentially confrontational nature of the reply.

a clever riposte

Highlights the skillful and ingenious nature of the reply, often in a formal setting.

a witty response

Highlights the clever and humorous aspect of the reply.

a snappy rejoinder

Suggests a quick and spirited reply, often in a playful or teasing manner.

a quick reply

Focuses on the speed of the response, rather than its sharpness or wit.

a pointed answer

Indicates a direct and purposeful reply, often addressing a specific issue.

a cutting remark

Focuses on the potentially hurtful or critical nature of the reply.

an immediate answer

Highlights the immediacy of the response, suggesting it was readily available.

a crushing rebuttal

Emphasizes the thorough and devastating nature of the response.

FAQs

What does "a retort" mean?

The phrase "a retort" refers to a quick, witty, or sharp reply, often used in response to a statement or accusation. It implies cleverness and a degree of incisiveness.

How can I use "a retort" in a sentence?

You can use "a retort" when describing someone's clever or sharp reply. For example: "She delivered "a stinging retort" that silenced her opponent."

What are some alternatives to "a retort"?

Alternatives to "a retort" include "a quick reply", "a sharp comeback", or "a witty response", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "retort" always used positively?

No, "retort" is not always positive. While it often implies cleverness, it can also suggest a sharp or even cutting response, depending on the context. Consider the phrase "a bitter retort".