how did he retaliate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how did he retaliate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the actions someone took in response to a provocation or offense. Example: "After the unfair treatment he received, I was curious to know how did he retaliate against his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

How did he retaliate?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

How does he retaliate?" Questions were clearer than the answers: Will Sept. 11 become a day that lives in infamy?

The New York Times

Charlie wasn't shattered by my emotional outbursts nor did he retaliate and counterattack.

Huffington Post

"How did he sound?

The New Yorker

How did he train?

Independent

How did he yank?

The New Yorker

How did he continue?

The New York Times

"How did he change?

The New York Times - Sports

How did he do?

The New York Times

How did he qualify?

Forbes

"I: How did he know?

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "how did he retaliate", ensure the context clearly indicates a prior action or offense that prompted the response. Retaliation implies a direct response to a specific provocation.

Common error

The word "retaliate" doesn't always imply physical violence. It can also refer to verbal responses, strategic maneuvers, or legal actions. Make sure that you consider all the possibilities when you're using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how did he retaliate" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically seeking information about the manner in which a subject responded to a perceived provocation or attack. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in asking for details about retaliatory actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The query "how did he retaliate" is grammatically sound and serves to inquire about the specific actions taken in response to a prior offense, as verified by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is readily understood and used across a spectrum of contexts, including news, media, and scientific discussions. Alternatives such as "how did he respond" or "what was his reaction" can offer a broader perspective, but "how did he retaliate" specifically implies a direct response to provocation. In essence, this phrase is a precise tool for understanding reactive behaviors in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How did he respond

Focuses on the general reaction, not specifically retaliation.

What was his response

Similar to 'how did he respond' but uses a noun phrase.

How did he react

React is a general term for response.

How did he strike back

Emphasizes an aggressive response.

What action did he take

More general, not necessarily retaliatory.

How did he defend himself

Focuses on self-preservation rather than aggression.

In what way did he get even

Focuses on achieving retribution.

What counter-measures did he employ

Suggests a strategic response.

What was his comeback

Informal, implies a verbal or witty response.

How did he turn the tables

Suggests reversing a disadvantageous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "how did he retaliate" in a sentence?

You can use "how did he retaliate" to ask about the specific actions someone took in response to an offense. For example, "After the company's unfair decision, I wondered how did he retaliate against his former employer?"

What's the difference between "how did he retaliate" and "how did he react"?

"How did he react" is a more general question about someone's response to a situation. "How did he retaliate" specifically asks about actions taken in revenge or response to an attack. Consider using "how did he respond" as an alternative if retaliation is not the exact intention.

What are some alternatives to "how did he retaliate"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "what was his response", "how did he respond", or "what action did he take".

Is "how did he retaliate" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "how did he retaliate" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing conflicts, strategies, or legal matters. However, be mindful of the connotation, as "retaliate" implies a negative initial action.