as a backlash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a backlash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reaction or response that is contrary to a previous action or event, often in a negative or opposing manner. Example: "The new policy was met with significant criticism, as a backlash from the community was expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The move was widely interpreted as a backlash against personal brands.

The New York Times

Do you see your career as a backlash against food snobbery?

The New York Times - Magazine

Some view the new tensions as a backlash to the monument.

The New York Times

Finally, perhaps as a backlash against all the girlish, gothic swooning over "Twilight," zombies are making a comeback.

The New York Times - Arts

I wouldn't bet on its popularity as a backlash against Wall Street and finance sweeps across a recession-haunted country.

The New York Times

The first aftershock was the rise of religious conservatism, and particularly evangelical faith, as a backlash against the cultural revolution's excesses.

The New York Times

The Republicans stand poised to take back control of the House, and possibly even the Senate, as a backlash against the current leadership.

The New York Times

A new "Alternative for Germany" political movement has erupted as a backlash against the euro, and against Germany's fellow E.U. members.

The New York Times

But as a backlash against austerity spreads across Europe, Cypriot officials say they are determined to avoid the kind of severe budget cuts that unhinged the Greek economy.

The New York Times

Now its ascendancy is about to set off what many officials and experts see as a backlash on both sides of the Pacific.

The New York Times

Partly as a backlash against the over-hyped East, West Berlin's glamour is slowly returning, in the form of new galleries and revitalized Bowie-era restaurants and hotels.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a backlash", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being reacted against. This provides clarity and strengthens the connection between cause and effect.

Common error

Avoid using "as a backlash" to describe minor disagreements or mild pushback. This phrase implies a significant and often negative reaction to a preceding event or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a backlash" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the reason or cause behind an action or event. It specifies that the action is a direct response, often negative, to a previous event. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a backlash" is a frequently used prepositional phrase that accurately describes a reaction, often negative, to a preceding event. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for formal and neutral registers, it implies a significant response, advising against its use for minor disagreements. Remember to clearly establish the event being reacted against for optimal clarity. Consider alternatives like "in response to" or "as a consequence of" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in response to

This alternative highlights the act of answering or reacting to something.

in reaction to

This alternative directly indicates a response to a previous action or event.

as a result of

This alternative emphasizes the outcome or effect of a preceding cause.

as a consequence of

This phrase emphasizes the result or effect of a preceding cause.

due to

Similar to "because of", this highlights the cause of the reaction.

because of

This directly states the reason or cause for the reaction.

stemming from

This phrase suggests that the reaction originates or derives from something else.

arising from

This indicates that the backlash emerges or originates from a prior situation.

owing to

This phrase expresses that the reaction is attributable or caused by something.

following

This suggests that something happens subsequently or as a result of what precedes.

FAQs

How can I use "as a backlash" in a sentence?

Use "as a backlash" to describe a strong negative reaction to a particular event, policy, or trend. For example, "The new regulations were implemented "as a backlash" against corporate greed".

What are some alternatives to using "as a backlash"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in response to", "as a reaction", or "as a consequence of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "as a backlash" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a backlash" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing political, social, or economic reactions. Ensure the tone and context align with the formality of your writing.

What's the difference between "as a backlash" and "as a reaction"?

"As a backlash" often implies a stronger, more negative, and potentially organized response, whereas "as a reaction" is a more general term for any response. The choice depends on the intensity and nature of the response you want to convey.