delayed reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

"delayed reaction" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but typically describes a response or behavior that occurs after some time has passed. Example: "The doctor explained that the medication may have a delayed reaction, so I should wait a few days before expecting to see any improvement in my symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The delayed reaction did its damage, though.

The New York Times

Nor is that the Storm's only delayed reaction.

The New York Times - Tech

Mrs. Mooney got a delayed reaction about her husband's death.

The New Yorker

There is a big element of delayed reaction.

Independent

Matteau!" call on the winning goal causing the delayed reaction.

The New York Times

"Usually a delayed reaction to traffic lights," Officer Tierney said.

The New York Times

There was a bit of a delayed reaction.

The New York Times

Liberal education is a real eye-opener -- but it has a delayed reaction.

The New York Times

Perhaps that minor tantrum was more a delayed reaction to three-putting 14.

The Guardian - Sport

The loyalty to reality, to the concrete facts of experience, exploded like a delayed reaction.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

SNL finally paid off handsomely, but in a delayed-reaction sort of way".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "delayed reaction" to describe a response that doesn't occur immediately after a stimulus. This is particularly useful in fields like psychology, medicine, or economics where effects may not be immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "delayed reaction" when you actually mean a suppressed or inhibited reaction. A "delayed reaction" simply occurs later, while a suppressed reaction is actively held back or prevented from happening initially.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delayed reaction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and used across diverse contexts to describe responses that occur after a certain time has elapsed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delayed reaction" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe responses or effects that do not occur immediately after a stimulus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees usage across diverse fields, including news, science, and general discourse. Its communicative purpose is primarily descriptive and explanatory, serving to analyze events where consequences unfold over time.

While synonyms like "belated response" or "slow response" can sometimes be used, "delayed reaction" maintains a neutral tone applicable in various contexts. A key writing tip is to differentiate it from suppressed reactions, which are actively held back rather than simply occurring later. This analysis provides a well-rounded understanding of "delayed reaction", enhancing its effective use in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

belated response

Emphasizes the lateness of the response, highlighting that it occurred after the appropriate or expected time.

tardy response

Similar to 'belated response', stressing the delayed nature and potential inappropriateness of the timing.

late response

Simple and direct, indicating that the response happened later than desired.

slow response

Focuses on the speed of the response, indicating it was not as quick as needed or expected.

lagging response

Highlights that the response is falling behind or not keeping pace with the situation.

retarded response

Indicates that the response is slowed or hindered, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

subsequent reaction

Highlights that the reaction is happening after an initial event or trigger.

protracted reaction

Emphasizes the extended duration of the reaction, rather than just the delay in its onset.

aftermath response

Suggests the response is occurring in the period following an event, emphasizing the sequence.

long-term effect

Focuses on the enduring consequences of an action rather than the immediate reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "delayed reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "delayed reaction" to describe a response that happens later than expected. For example: "The market's "delayed reaction" to the news surprised analysts."

What's a good alternative to "delayed reaction"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "belated response", "slow response", or "lagging response" could be suitable.

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

Yes, "delayed reaction" refers to a response that occurs after some time has passed, whereas "immediate reaction" describes a response that happens right away.

In what fields is the term "delayed reaction" commonly used?

"Delayed reaction" is frequently used in fields such as medicine, psychology, economics, and engineering to describe responses or effects that are not immediately apparent.