a sudden response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an immediate or unexpected reply to a question or situation. Example: "Her sudden response to the question caught everyone off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This was not a sudden response to the border state representatives' rejection of compensated emancipation: even had they accepted Lincoln's proposal, it would not have affected slavery in the Confederacy, where most slaves lived.

The New York Times

Jim Crow was an extension of a longstanding white supremacist strain in the South, not a sudden response to Reconstruction.

Huffington Post

The meticulous coordination and sophistication of the attacks in Paris indicate the plot was hatched well in advance, but perhaps initiated as a sudden response to the group's military setbacks.

Vice

Never demand a sudden response.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As for the Iraqi parallel, not even the Russians pretend that Mr Saakashvili has ever been a threat to his neighbours and to the world.This was no sudden response to provocation, but a long-planned move.

The Economist

All of a sudden, that response to Hurricane Katrina is starting to make sense now.

The New York Times

I'm frustrated by the general boringness of a culture that is trying to congratulate itself for taking things seriously all of a sudden in response to its guilt about not taking things very seriously during the 90s.

Vice

Throughout the text, this manipulation – an experimental factor – will be called "urgency", to denote the fact that, especially at 0.2 and 0.5 s, the imperative cue forced observers to emit a sudden, early response.

Plosone

If the person you're texting normally doesn't try to have perfectly crafted, grammatically correct sentences, and all of a sudden the response you get from him could have come out of your English textbook, then this is a sign that he's trying too hard to seem like he's telling the truth.

WikiHow

Appearance aside, the biggest change is the power: it is a big step up from 168 horsepower to 250, and the turbocharger's sudden response is surprising at first.

The New York Times

"I love Drake," her verified account proclaimed, and the sudden response (including over 22,000 retweets) exemplified the sort of pseudo-compassionate, schadenfreude-driven rubber-necking that amounts to a near-perfect replica of Bynes' media coverage in the months preceding her psychiatric hold.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden response" to emphasize the immediacy and unexpected nature of a reaction or answer. This phrase is effective when describing situations where the timing of the response is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden response" when the action is planned or calculated. This phrase implies spontaneity, so it's unsuitable for describing premeditated actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden response" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action or answer that occurs quickly and unexpectedly, aligning with the Ludwig examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sudden response" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies an immediate and unexpected reaction. According to Ludwig, its versatility allows for application across various contexts, including news, science, and informal communication. While it is appropriate in a range of registers, remember that it is most effective when describing spontaneous actions rather than premeditated ones. Consider alternatives such as "an immediate reaction" or "a quick reply" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an immediate reaction

Focuses on the instantaneous nature of the response.

an instantaneous reply

Stresses the immediate timing of the response.

a prompt response

Focuses on the efficiency and timeliness of the reaction.

a quick reply

Emphasizes the speed of the answer or reaction.

a spontaneous reaction

Implies the response is unplanned and impulsive.

a rapid retort

Highlights the sharpness and speed of the response, often in a verbal exchange.

an abrupt answer

Suggests a response that is both sudden and potentially curt or unexpected.

a swift comeback

Highlights a fast and effective response to a challenge or criticism.

a knee-jerk reaction

Implies an automatic and unthinking response.

a precipitous answer

Indicates a hasty or rash response, possibly without careful consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden response" to describe an immediate or unexpected reaction to something. For example, "Her "a sudden response" to the question surprised everyone in the room".

What's a more formal alternative to "a sudden response"?

A more formal alternative could be "an immediate reaction" or "a prompt response", depending on the context.

Is "a sudden reaction" the same as "a sudden response"?

While similar, "a sudden reaction" generally refers to a physical or emotional response, whereas ""a sudden response"" can also refer to a verbal or written reply.

When is it inappropriate to use "a sudden response"?

It's inappropriate to use ""a sudden response"" when describing a planned or carefully considered action. It implies spontaneity, so avoid it in contexts requiring deliberation.