inability to react

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inability to react" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something cannot respond or take action in a given context. Example: "The sudden shock left him in a state of inability to react, rendering him motionless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Hence dead-ends, fixed gears, an inability to react.

The Guardian - Sport

In a sense, Italy's inability to react quickly and decisively to solve its problems mirrors the troubles of Europe as a whole.

The New York Times

The latest violence and the police's apparent inability to react give yet another indication of the chaos enveloping Haiti, which for two years has been mired in a political impasse over fraudulent elections that has blocked international aid.

The New York Times

The inability to react quickly might also show that the Russians are having difficulty shifting from their strategy of relying on artillery and air bombardment to clear their way.

Independent

It wasn't their inability to react quickly and decisively to online threats.

TechCrunch

Instead it became 'Samsung can't make a phone vs Apple's inability to react to the increased demand for phablets' which feels more like a score draw and Apple winning on away goals.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This creates a number of problems including an inability to quickly react and adapt to changes in public perceptions, as well as the creation of particular types of worldviews within specific contexts.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

The inability to properly react to touch would have adverse consequences to larva survival.

BMC Biology

So why just holler at Howley when Wales's attempts to play with more pace and width as the Test game becomes more fast and dynamic are undermined by a lack of skill and an inability of players to react to the unexpected?

The Guardian - Sport

Looking back, Mr. Nordstrom told a House hearing last month that a major question was the inability of the administration to react to the worsening environment on the ground.

The New York Times

I'm seeing the change in our climate first-hand and I'm living in a time where there is an inability in our democracy to react to it in any way.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inability to react", ensure the context clearly explains why the reaction is impossible. Specify whether it's due to a physical, mental, or circumstantial limitation.

Common error

Avoid using "inability to react" as a generic phrase. Instead, provide specific reasons for the lack of reaction, such as "inability to react due to shock" or "inability to react because of system failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inability to react" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing the state or condition of being unable to respond to a stimulus or situation. Ludwig AI shows varied contexts, including political, medical, and general scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inability to react" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon noun phrase used to describe a lack of responsiveness to a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When using the phrase, it’s important to provide context specifying the reason for the lack of reaction to ensure clarity. Alternative phrases, such as "failure to respond" or "incapacity to act", can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, while the phrase is correct, it is most effective when used with precision and clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure to respond

Emphasizes the lack of a response.

incapacity to act

Focuses on the lack of power or ability to take action.

lack of responsiveness

Highlights the absence of a quick or positive reaction.

passivity

Indicates a state of inaction or submission.

inertia

Implies a resistance to change or action.

non-reaction

Directly states the absence of a reaction.

failure to take action

Highlights the omission of acting when needed.

paralysis

Suggests a state of being unable to move or act.

inability to respond effectively

Specifies a lack of ability to create a good reaction.

lack of initiative

Underlines the absence of self-directed action.

FAQs

How can I use "inability to react" in a sentence?

You can use "inability to react" to describe a situation where someone or something cannot respond or take action. For example: "The sudden shock left him in a state of "inability to react", rendering him motionless."

What's the difference between "inability to react" and "failure to respond"?

"Inability to react" implies a lack of capacity, while "failure to respond" might suggest a conscious choice or oversight. The first suggests someone cannot react, and the latter indicates someone didn't react.

What are some alternatives to "inability to react"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "lack of responsiveness", "incapacity to act", or "failure to take action".

Is it correct to say "inability of reacting" instead of "inability to react"?

No, the correct form is "inability to react". Using "of reacting" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The infinitive form "to react" is needed.