an apt response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an apt response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a reply or reaction that is appropriate or suitable for a given situation. Example: "Her comment was an apt response to the criticism, addressing the concerns raised effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Horten's cool, quizzical stoicism seems like an apt response to this environment, which makes you think that maybe he isn't so odd after all.

The New York Times

I commend the Ethicist for an apt response to the inquiry about the ethics of using a wheelchair to speed the way through airport security (March 25).

The New York Times

At the outset of "The Swish," the keyboardist Franz Nicolay slapped his own face in time with the beat, which seemed an apt response.

The New York Times - Arts

Shakespeare's shortest play just about qualifies as a little book and its title is an apt response to Osborne's U-turns.

The Guardian - Books

(Gretchen Carlson, the former Fox News host whose sexual-harassment complaint broke open the Ailes story, tweeted, in an apt response, "Sad in 2016 we're still victim blaming women. Trust me I'm strong").

The New Yorker

Bringing together different expertise of developers, designers, and specialists from India, Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany, the project aimed to create an "apt response mechanism" for women under threat.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Does an apt aesthetic response to a fucked-up world begin with getting fucked up?

The New Yorker

Ted Olson, sagely, interrupts this monologue at one point with an apt rhetorical response: "When did it become unconstitutional to prohibit interracial marriages?

The Guardian - Opinion

But when you're the object of ire and jealousy, the apt response is to flash teeth and snarl a bit.

The New York Times - Arts

The most apt response to this imaginary threat comes from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) who observed that this "Sharia law business is just crap".

Huffington Post

Asked how to show someone that you love them, the little ones also shared simple, yet apt responses like "say something that you like about her," "share with them and be kind," and "treat them in a special way".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an apt response" when you want to convey that a reaction or answer is particularly fitting, appropriate, and well-suited to the situation. It suggests a sense of precision and relevance in the response.

Common error

While "an apt response" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "good answer" or "fitting reply" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an apt response" functions as a noun phrase where 'apt' modifies 'response'. It typically serves as the subject complement or object of a verb, describing the quality of the response. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and appropriate phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an apt response" is a grammatically correct and appropriate phrase used to describe a particularly fitting or suitable reaction. As Ludwig AI points out, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with some usage in science and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Its strength lies in conveying a sense of precision and relevance in the response, making it a valuable phrase for formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fitting answer

Replaces 'response' with 'answer' and 'apt' with 'fitting', emphasizing the suitability of the reply.

a suitable reply

Uses 'reply' instead of 'response' and 'suitable' instead of 'apt', highlighting the appropriateness of the reaction.

an appropriate reaction

Substitutes 'response' with 'reaction' and 'apt' with 'appropriate', focusing on the fitting nature of the action.

a well-suited answer

Emphasizes that the answer is particularly well-matched to the situation.

a pertinent reply

Highlights the relevance and directness of the response.

a relevant reaction

Focuses on the connection and importance of the reaction to the matter at hand.

a clever comeback

Suggests a witty and intelligent reply, often in response to criticism.

a sharp retort

Implies a quick and incisive response, possibly with a critical edge.

a timely response

Emphasizes that the response was given at the most opportune moment.

a thoughtful answer

Highlights the careful consideration and intelligence behind the response.

FAQs

How can I use "an apt response" in a sentence?

You can use "an apt response" to describe a reaction or answer that is particularly suitable or fitting in a given context. For example, "Her insightful analysis was "an apt response" to the complex problem presented".

What are some alternatives to saying "an apt response"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a fitting answer", "a suitable reply", or "an appropriate reaction".

Is it better to say "apt response" or "appropriate response"?

Both "apt response" and "appropriate response" are correct, but "apt" often implies a more precise or clever suitability than "appropriate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "an apt response" and "a clever comeback"?

While both describe reactions, "an apt response" suggests a fitting and relevant answer, while "a clever comeback" implies a witty and often defensive reply, especially in response to criticism or a challenge.