be in response to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in response to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is a reaction or reply to a specific situation, event, or request. Example: "The changes in policy will be in response to the feedback we received from our customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This may be in response to government pressure.

The Economist

He said a formal move to recognise a Palestinian state would be in response to "extreme provocation from Netanyahu".

The Guardian

The Chargers' departure would not be in response to their performance on the field.

The New York Times - Sports

This is likely to be in response to the greater recognition of current and potential impacts of extreme weather events in developing nations.

The Guardian

The article has received a barrage of criticism online: The article appears to be in response to a Martin Amis piece written for Premiere in 1997.

The Guardian - Film

The move appears to be in response to Kofi Annan's demand following his visit to Damascus over the weekend for a ceasefire coupled with elections.

The Guardian

Having not been named in the original squad, Agar's selection is believed to be in response to Kevin Pietersen's apparent difficulty at playing left-arm spin.

Independent

Some observers believe that the north's maneuvering, including the letter, may be in response to the mounting pressures on Sudan's president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir.

The New York Times

It is thought to be in response to Sony's film The Interview, which depicts characters attempting to kill North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il.

Independent

The move may be in response to Path spamming user's contacts with invites last week.

TechCrunch

The change may be in response to privacy concerns or as a way to pre-empt them.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be in response to", ensure the connection between the action and the response is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what is causing the response immediately after the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "be in response to" when the link between cause and effect is weak or unclear. This can confuse readers. Ensure the response is a direct and logical consequence of the preceding event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in response to" functions as a causal connector, indicating that something is a direct reaction or result of a preceding event or action. Ludwig examples confirm its role in establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

42%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be in response to" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something is a reaction or consequence of a prior action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a causal connector, frequently appearing in news and media, scientific publications, and other contexts where explaining cause-and-effect relationships is important. To use it effectively, ensure the link between cause and effect is clear. While alternatives like "be a reaction to" and "be due to" exist, "be in response to" implies a more direct and intentional reaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a reaction to

Focuses on the reactive nature of the response, emphasizing the action-reaction dynamic.

be a consequence of

Highlights the result or outcome stemming directly from a prior cause or event.

be attributable to

Indicates the cause or origin of something, suggesting a direct link or association.

arise from

Implies that something originates or emerges from a particular source or situation.

stem from

Suggests that something originates or develops from a specific root or origin.

be due to

Attributes something as being caused or influenced by a specific factor or event.

result from

Emphasizes the outcome or effect of a particular action or cause.

be prompted by

Highlights the instigating factor or motivation behind a specific action or decision.

be triggered by

Focuses on the activating or initiating event that sets off a subsequent response.

be a product of

Suggests that something is the result or creation of a particular process or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "be in response to" in a sentence?

Use "be in response to" to indicate that an action or event is a direct result or reaction to something else. For example: "The policy change will "be in response to" customer feedback."

What are some alternatives to "be in response to"?

You can use alternatives like "be a reaction to", "be a consequence of", or "be attributable to" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what something is "in response to"?

While not always grammatically required, explicitly stating what something is "in response to" enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations. Omitting it can sometimes make the sentence vague or confusing.

What's the difference between "be in response to" and "be due to"?

"Be in response to" typically implies a more direct or intentional reaction, while "be due to" simply indicates causation or reason without necessarily implying a reactive element.