an expected reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

"an expected reaction" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It means a response or behavior that is considered normal or predictable in a given situation. Example: After telling my parents I had failed my exam, their disappointment was an expected reaction.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The block drew a collective oooh and cheers, an expected reaction from the Orlando Magic's partisan Amway Center crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

Wall Street cheered the compromise bill Friday, in what was an expected reaction to any clarification following months of uncertainty.

Forbes

Induction of both pro- and anti-apoptotic genes is an expected reaction to tissue injury.

BMC Genomics

Moreover, HR and HRV time-series will also detect an absence of an expected reaction to a warning situation such as crossing at the traffic lights.

BMJ Open

Grief is an expected reaction following the loss of a loved one; and research suggests that grief responses that persist beyond six to twelve months after the loss may be indicative of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) [ 4].

BMC Psychiatry

The exposure to international affairs, however, has caused an expected reaction.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

If the resident reverts to lower cognitive functioning, making facial expressions instinctive and not a culturally-bound expected reaction, universal expressions of pain could exist.

Clinical interventions in aging

I see the expected reaction to a paradigm shift -- a complete change in the concepts we use to make sense of our politics and culture.

Huffington Post

We saw normal reactions to an abnormal event". Watson tweaked that message slightly, saying that what resulted were "understandable" or "expected" reactions to an abnormal event.

HuffPost

Expected reactions?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Boxed warnings are most often based on observed serious adverse reactions (i.e., clinical data) or, in some cases, based on anticipated adverse reactions [i.e., an expected adverse reaction based on pharmacologic action of the drug (preclinical data)].

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an expected reaction" when you want to convey that a response or behavior was not surprising given the circumstances. It is useful in both formal and informal contexts to denote predictability.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "an expected reaction" when describing events. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a predictable response" or "a typical reaction" to add nuance and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an expected reaction" functions as a noun phrase where "expected" modifies "reaction". It describes a response or behavior that was anticipated or considered likely to occur. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an expected reaction" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a predictable response or behavior. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Scientific domains. When writing, while it's a valid choice, consider diversifying your language with synonyms like "a predictable response" or "a typical reaction" to avoid repetition. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended meaning of predictability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a predictable response

This alternative replaces 'reaction' with 'response' and 'expected' with 'predictable', emphasizing the foreseeability of the reaction.

a typical reaction

This alternative uses 'typical' instead of 'expected', highlighting that the reaction is common and representative.

a normal response

Using 'normal' instead of 'expected' suggests that the response aligns with what is considered usual or standard.

a natural response

This suggests that the reaction is instinctive or inherently logical in the situation.

a commonplace response

This alternative is more formal and indicates that the response is ordinary and unremarkable.

a standard response

This suggests that the response adheres to a set standard or expectation.

a routine response

This alternative indicates that the response is regularly occurring or habitual in a specific context.

a customary reaction

This emphasizes that the reaction is conventional or traditionally observed.

a predictable result

Similar to 'foreseeable outcome', this highlights the anticipated nature of the consequence.

a foreseeable outcome

This alternative shifts the focus from reaction to outcome, emphasizing that the result was anticipated.

FAQs

How can I use "an expected reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "an expected reaction" to describe a predictable response to an event or situation. For example, "Her disappointment was "an expected reaction" after failing the exam."

What can I say instead of "an expected reaction"?

You can use alternatives like "a predictable response", "a typical reaction", or "a natural response depending on the context.

Is it better to use "an expected reaction" or "a predictable reaction"?

Both "an expected reaction" and "a predictable reaction" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context, although “"a predictable reaction"” may be slightly more precise.

When is it appropriate to use "an expected reaction" in formal writing?

"An expected reaction" is suitable for formal writing when describing predictable outcomes or responses in a clear and concise manner. Ensure the context supports the idea that the reaction was anticipated or foreseeable. For example, "The market's positive movement was "an expected reaction" to the policy change."