an overwhelming response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a large or intense reaction from a group of people, often in the context of feedback, support, or participation. Example: "The charity event received an overwhelming response, with donations pouring in from all over the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This generated an overwhelming response.

Independent

We received an overwhelming response.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was an overwhelming response.

The New York Times - Science

"What we found was an overwhelming response," Mr. Jones said.

The New York Times

"The New York universities had an overwhelming response".

The New York Times

Since issuing the notice, funeral director Edmund Jacobs said they have received an overwhelming response.

Independent

There's been an overwhelming response on Twitter and to the petition I have launched asking for an apology.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's an overwhelming response," said Allan Hoffenblum, a onetime Republican consultant who publishes the California Target Book, a political newsletter.

The New York Times

There is an overwhelming response to help your students understand a bit more of the scope of this war.

The New York Times

After the attacks on New York and Washington, however, it was clear that there would be an overwhelming response.

The New Yorker

Shortly after the advertiser revealed a lodger had been found, adding "I was not expecting such an overwhelming response".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an overwhelming response" when you want to emphasize the magnitude and impact of a reaction. For example, "The campaign received an overwhelming response, exceeding all expectations."

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming response" to describe negative situations. While "overwhelming" can sometimes imply being too much, in this phrase, it generally denotes a large and positive reaction. For negative contexts, consider phrases like "strong criticism" or "widespread disapproval".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming response" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an overwhelming response" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a substantial and significant reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended positive connotation, avoiding its application in scenarios involving negative reactions. For related expressions, alternatives such as "a massive reaction" or "a huge outpouring" can be considered to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a massive reaction

Replaces "overwhelming" with "massive", emphasizing the size and scale of the reaction.

a huge outpouring

Substitutes "response" with "outpouring", highlighting the emotional aspect of the reaction.

an enormous wave

Uses "wave" instead of "response", creating a more metaphorical image of the reaction.

an immense surge

Replaces "response" with "surge", suggesting a sudden and powerful increase in reaction.

a groundswell of support

Emphasizes the supportive nature of the response, implying widespread agreement.

a flood of replies

Highlights the numerous replies received.

a deluge of feedback

Focuses on the feedback aspect of the response, indicating a large amount of input.

a tidal wave of interest

Highlights an intense show of interest.

an avalanche of requests

Replaces "response" with "requests", stressing the high volume of requests.

a cornucopia of answers

Metaphorically highlighting a big quantity of different answers.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overwhelming response" to describe situations where a request, campaign, or announcement receives a significantly large and enthusiastic reaction. For example: "The charity appeal received "an overwhelming response" from the public."

What can I say instead of "an overwhelming response"?

You can use alternatives like "a massive reaction", "a huge outpouring", or "an enormous wave" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an overwhelming response" in formal writing?

Yes, "an overwhelming response" is suitable for formal writing, especially in reports, articles, or official communications. It clearly and effectively conveys the magnitude of a reaction. It is also appropriate in more informal contexts.

Can "an overwhelming response" refer to a negative reaction?

While "overwhelming" can sometimes carry negative connotations, "an overwhelming response" typically implies a large and positive reaction. For negative situations, consider using phrases like "strong opposition" or "widespread condemnation" instead.