initial reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial reaction" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
For example, "My initial reaction to the news was disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His initial reaction?

Independent

His initial reaction: "Whoa".

The New York Times - Sports

"That's the initial reaction.

The New York Times - Sports

Her initial reaction?

The New York Times - Arts

Initial reaction was guarded.

The Guardian

Steinbrenner's initial reaction was "Torre?

The New Yorker

Avon's initial reaction was tepid.

The New York Times

"My initial reaction was embarrassment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My initial reaction is disbelief.

The Guardian

My initial reaction was perplexity.

The Guardian - Books

"Cool!" was Robby's initial reaction.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "initial reaction", provide context about the event or situation that prompted the reaction to give the reader a clearer understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "initial reaction" is representative of someone's long-term or final opinion. Initial responses can evolve as more information becomes available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial reaction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the first emotional, mental, or behavioral response to a stimulus, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial reaction" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a first response. As shown by Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider context and avoid overgeneralizing from initial reactions to long-term opinions. Alternatives such as "immediate response" or "first impression" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be sure to consider all of this when using the phrase "initial reaction" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate response

Focuses on the speed and directness of the reaction.

first impression

Highlights the very first perception or judgment formed.

gut feeling

Emphasizes an intuitive or instinctive reaction.

first blush

Indicates a reaction based on a superficial or immediate assessment.

knee-jerk reaction

Implies a quick, often unthinking, response.

spontaneous response

Stresses the unplanned and natural character of the reaction.

preliminary assessment

Focuses on an early evaluation or judgment.

early response

Highlights the timing of the response, being among the first.

initial assessment

Emphasizes the initial evaluation or judgment made.

instantaneous response

Highlights the speed and immediacy of the response.

FAQs

How can I use "initial reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "initial reaction" to describe someone's first response to an event or piece of information. For example, "Her initial reaction was surprise."

What are some alternatives to "initial reaction"?

Alternatives include "immediate response", "first impression", or "early response". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify an "initial reaction", or can I just describe the reaction without specifying the time?

Specifying the "initial reaction" is helpful when the reaction changes over time or when you want to highlight the immediacy of the response. If the reaction remains constant, specifying "initial" may not be necessary.

What's the difference between "initial reaction" and "final reaction"?

"Initial reaction" refers to the first response, while "final reaction" refers to the ultimate or settled response after further consideration. Someone's "first impression" may differ greatly from their "final conclusion".