an immediate reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an immediate reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a response that occurs without delay or hesitation, often in response to a stimulus or event. Example: "Upon hearing the news, her immediate reaction was one of shock and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An allergy is an immediate reaction that occurs directly after consuming a food, even in tiny amounts, and can require urgent medical attention.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was an immediate reaction.

The Guardian

I had an immediate reaction to it.

The New York Times

Now when I reveal my fate, I get an immediate reaction.

The Guardian

"It's not just an immediate reaction, that you see it and you get it".

The New York Times - Arts

"It brings an immediate reaction," Ms. Sammis said, with most expressing amazement.

The New York Times - Travel

His idea drew an immediate reaction from Mr. Gore, who said he was "very disappointed".

The New York Times

"He wanted an immediate reaction, because he expected me to be scandalized".

The New York Times

The comment provoked an immediate reaction on Twitter, not least from Farage himself.

The Guardian

At least one Church picture was an immediate reaction to war news.

The New York Times - Arts

"The kids just jumped right in and responded," said Mr. Wann, who was not expecting such an immediate reaction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an immediate reaction" to clearly convey a response that occurs without delay or hesitation, providing a sense of urgency or spontaneity.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "an immediate reaction" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "prompt response" or "instantaneous response" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an immediate reaction" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing responses to various stimuli or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an immediate reaction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a quick, spontaneous response. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it is particularly common in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the surrounding context and audience when choosing this phrase, particularly in highly formal writing. When appropriate, consider alternatives such as "an instantaneous response" or "a prompt reply" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an instantaneous response

Focuses on the speed and lack of delay in the reaction.

a prompt reply

Emphasizes the quickness of the answer or response.

a rapid retort

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

a swift comeback

Implies a quick recovery or response, often in a competitive setting.

a reflexive action

Indicates an automatic, involuntary response.

a spontaneous answer

Focuses on the unplanned and natural quality of the answer.

an instant feedback

Stresses the speed of providing information about the effects of an action.

a visceral reaction

Highlights a gut-level, emotional response.

a knee-jerk response

Implies a predictable and often unthinking reaction.

a hasty reply

Emphasizes that the response has been done or said without thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use "an immediate reaction" to describe a response that occurs without delay after a stimulus. For example, "Her "immediate reaction" was to call for help."

What are some alternatives to "an immediate reaction"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an instantaneous response", "a prompt reply", or "a reflexive action".

Is there a difference between "an immediate reaction" and "a delayed reaction"?

"An immediate reaction" refers to a response that happens right away, whereas "a delayed reaction" indicates that there was a pause or a lag before the response occurred.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an immediate reaction"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the speed and lack of hesitation in someone's response to an event or situation. For instance, "The news caused "an immediate reaction" of shock and disbelief."