drastic response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drastic response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or extreme reaction to a situation or event. Example: "The company's drastic response to the crisis included mass layoffs and a complete restructuring of its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Epidemics, in economics as much as in medicine, call for an immediate and drastic response.

The Guardian - Business

As the likelihood of a drastic response by Mr. Wahid waned, his supporters began dispersing, boarding trains for the president's home province, East Java.

The New York Times

Mia's drastic response to her altered circumstances at the climax of "Fish Tank" "takes the film to another level of metaphor and meaning," he said.

The New York Times

So as the storm clouds started to circle around the University of Wales, it seemed obvious that a drastic response would be required, but few predicted what would happen next.

The Guardian

The slaughter, which echoes Hong Kong's drastic response to a similar virus in 1997, will eliminate every chicken from the city's markets and all market-age poultry from its farms.

The New York Times

It connived in Mr Putin's pretence that he had not invaded eastern Ukraine even though, in a furtive, tricksy way he plainly had because to say otherwise would have required a drastic response.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But except where forced to do so by local quarantine rules, notably in Canada, companies now seem to be choosing less drastic responses.

The New York Times

Drastic responses to disease may be effective by one measure, but their legitimacy and ultimate utility may be more costly in human terms than justifiable.

The New York Times

Some transition metal oxides have frustrated electronic states under multiphase competition due to strongly correlated d electrons with spin, charge, and orbital degrees of freedom and exhibit drastic responses to external stimuli such as optical excitation.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In particular, electron electron and electron-lattice interactions for the d electrons produce frustrated electronic states under multiphase competition which exhibit drastic responses to external stimuli such as optical excitation.

Nanoscale Research Letters

However, it is reasonable to expect that large increases in p53 levels would correlate with a higher incidence of apoptosis, whereas low or moderate increases would correlate with less drastic responses such as cell cycle arrest.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drastic response", ensure the context clearly justifies the extremity of the reaction being described. Consider whether a less intense phrase might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "drastic response" when a milder term would suffice. Overusing strong language can diminish the impact of your writing and make genuine instances of extremity seem less significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drastic response" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "drastic" modifies the noun "response". This phrase typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the nature of an action or reaction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drastic response" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a significant or extreme reaction to a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in news and scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "extreme measure" or "radical action" exist, "drastic response" effectively communicates the severity and intensity of an action. However, remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the response genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme measure

This alternative focuses on the severity and intensity of the action taken.

radical action

This alternative suggests a fundamental and far-reaching change or intervention.

severe reaction

This alternative emphasizes the harshness and seriousness of the response.

forceful answer

This alternative highlights the strength and decisiveness of the response.

sweeping change

This alternative indicates a wide-ranging and comprehensive alteration.

decisive intervention

This alternative focuses on the act of intervening with a clear and impactful decision.

firm resolution

This alternative emphasizes the strength and determination behind the decision.

rigorous solution

This alternative highlights the thoroughness and strictness of the solution.

major step

This alternative emphasizes the significant and impactful nature of the action.

intense countermeasure

This alternative focuses on the powerful and reactive nature of the measure.

FAQs

How can I use "drastic response" in a sentence?

You can use "drastic response" to describe a significant or extreme reaction to a situation or event, for example: "The company's "drastic response" to the crisis included mass layoffs."

What are some alternatives to "drastic response"?

Alternatives to "drastic response" include "extreme measure", "radical action", or "severe reaction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "drastic response"?

No, "drastic response" should be used when the situation warrants a significant and extreme reaction. Using it in less serious contexts can be an exaggeration.

What is the difference between "drastic response" and "drastic reaction"?

The phrases "drastic response" and "drastic reaction" are largely interchangeable. "Response" tends to imply a deliberate action, while "reaction" can also suggest an instinctive or emotional response.