in retaliation

USAGE SUMMARY

"in retaliation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a retaliatory action that is taken in response to a previous action or perceived wrong. For example: "The country launched airstrikes in retaliation for the bombing of its capital city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It might result in retaliation by Russia.

The New York Times

Snow leopards are often killed in retaliation against livestock depredation.

Biological Conservation

In retaliation every house was levelled.

The Guardian

Thousands of coyotes were killed in retaliation.

The New Yorker

Hamas then bombarded Sderot in retaliation.

The New York Times

The Egyptian military launched airstrikes on Darna in retaliation.

The Guardian

In retaliation, the students staged a one-day strike.

The New Yorker

They assume they'll be struck first in retaliation by Iran".

The New Yorker

Syrian rebels fired rockets at Shiite neighborhoods in retaliation.

The New York Times

Ten Taliban militants were killed in retaliation, he said.

The New York Times

In retaliation, Hamilton tried to prevent Adams's reelection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in retaliation", clearly state the initial action that prompted the response to avoid ambiguity. This provides context and clarifies the justification for the retaliatory measure.

Common error

Avoid using "in retaliation" when the response is disproportionate to the initial action. Retaliation implies a comparable response, so using it for excessively severe reactions can be misleading or perceived as unjust.

Linguistic Context

"In retaliation" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the motive or reason behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability in expressing a direct response to a prior event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in retaliation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase to denote an action taken directly in response to a prior event. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news and media, wiki and scientific publications. It is important to use this phrase when the action is indeed a direct consequence of a previous negative action. For alternatives, consider using "as retribution" or "in reprisal" for a similar meaning. When writing, ensure the initial action and subsequent response are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Remember, retaliation implies a comparable response, so avoid using it when the reaction is disproportionately severe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to retaliate

Uses the verb form of the word for action.

by way of retaliation

Adds emphasis and formality to the retaliatory nature of the action.

in reprisal

Implies a direct and often forceful response, suggesting a more immediate and equivalent action.

as retribution

Focuses specifically on punishment or vengeance, which can be more intense than simple retaliation.

as revenge

Emphasizes the personal desire for vengeance, which might not always be present in a simple act of retaliation.

as payback

Informal term suggesting getting even, often implying a personal wrong has been righted.

to get even

Informal and active way of expressing retribution.

in return

A broader term suggesting any reciprocal action, not necessarily negative or punitive.

in consequence

Indicates that something is the result of a preceding event.

in response

Describes general reaction and consequence relationship between two actions.

FAQs

How can I use "in retaliation" in a sentence?

Use "in retaliation" to indicate an action taken as a direct response to a previous offense. For example: "The country launched cyberattacks "in retaliation" for the theft of classified information."

What are some alternatives to "in retaliation"?

Consider alternatives like "as retribution", "in reprisal", or "as revenge" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "in retaliation" in formal writing?

Yes, "in retaliation" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and direct way to express a cause-and-effect relationship between actions. However, ensure the context justifies the term; otherwise, a more neutral phrase like "in response" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "in retaliation" and "in response"?

"In retaliation" specifically implies a punitive or defensive reaction to an offense. "In response" is a broader term indicating any reaction to a prior action, without necessarily implying a negative or punitive intent.