dramatic response

USAGE SUMMARY

"dramatic response" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an intense or striking reaction to something. Here are a few examples: - "The audience's dramatic response to the play's shocking twist was audible throughout the theater." - "The medication had a dramatic response on the patient's symptoms, providing relief almost immediately." - "The government's actions caused a dramatic response from the public, with protests and demonstrations erupting across the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

33 The high degree of activity of these two drugs was largely responsible for his dramatic response.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

What happened next qualified as well beyond "dramatic response".

The New York Times - Health

This was hardly the dramatic response they had hoped for.

The New Yorker

By mid-week, corn was changing hands for $5.88 a bushel.There are two reasons for this dramatic response.

The Economist

In a note to himself afterward, Dr. Brunvand described further treatment as "more toxic than beneficial," and unwarranted "unless he has dramatic response".

The New York Times - Health

The sweeping changes are the result of months of strategic discussions by Ford executives, and represent a dramatic response to the woes afflicting Detroit's automakers.

The New York Times

To my surprise I found a lengthy queue of people seeking my help – and, best of all, a dramatic response when I managed to prescribe effectively.

The Guardian - Books

No such shyness here: the vividness of the music and of Mr. Rzewski's dramatic response make one long for him to explore dramatic media more.

The New York Times - Arts

"Each and every time you give a placebo you see a dramatic response among some people and no response in others".

The New York Times

The ghost's silent contemplation (and dramatic response) and, for that matter, the entire film itself, is a refutation of that materialist point of view.

The New Yorker

Some critics argue that it instead made Vioxx seem more dangerous than it really is, prompting more lawsuits than a less dramatic response would have done.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dramatic response" to describe significant, noticeable reactions, particularly in medical, scientific, or economic contexts where measurable outcomes are expected.

Common error

Avoid using "dramatic response" to describe minor or unremarkable reactions. Reserve it for situations where the response is genuinely exceptional and impactful to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dramatic response" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "dramatic" modifies the noun "response". As Ludwig AI notes, it describes a reaction that is intense or striking, often in contexts where significant change is observed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dramatic response" effectively conveys a reaction that is both significant and noticeable. As Ludwig AI points out, it is most commonly used in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating its suitability for professional and academic discourse. While grammatically correct and widely used, remember to reserve this phrase for instances where the response is genuinely exceptional to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "remarkable response" or "significant result" to vary your language. With a high expert rating and frequent appearance in authoritative sources, "dramatic response" is a valuable addition to your writing repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dramatic reaction

Uses "reaction" instead of "response", implying a more spontaneous and emotional display.

remarkable response

Highlights the unusual or exceptional nature of the response.

impressive response

Emphasizes the admirable or noteworthy quality of the response.

stunning response

Suggests a response that is overwhelmingly surprising or beautiful.

theatrical response

Implies a response that is exaggerated or artificial, often for effect.

enormous response

Emphasizes the very large size or extent of the response.

considerable response

Indicates a response that is substantial or significant in magnitude.

exciting response

Highlights the stimulating and thrilling aspect of the response.

tragic response

Conveys a response that is deeply sorrowful or unfortunate.

terrible response

Indicates a response that is extremely negative or unfavorable.

FAQs

How can "dramatic response" be used in a medical context?

In medicine, "dramatic response" often describes a patient's unexpectedly positive reaction to a treatment, such as a significant reduction in tumor size or rapid improvement in symptoms. For example: "The patient had a "remarkable response" to the new therapy".

What is a suitable alternative for "dramatic response" in less formal writing?

In less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "significant change", "major improvement", or "noticeable effect" instead of "dramatic response" to maintain a conversational tone. A "remarkable response" can be also considered.

Is it appropriate to use "dramatic response" to describe emotional reactions?

While "dramatic response" is more commonly used for measurable outcomes, it can describe emotional reactions if they are particularly intense or exaggerated. However, ensure the context justifies the use of "dramatic" to avoid overstatement. An "intense reaction" can be a good alternative.

What are some common situations where you might see the phrase "dramatic response" used?

You'll often see "dramatic response" used in medical research (describing treatment efficacy), economic analysis (assessing policy impacts), and scientific studies (reporting experimental results), where the scale or nature of the effect is striking. Another appropriate alternative is "significant result".