initiate a response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initiate a response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe the act of starting or triggering a reply or reaction, often in technical or formal communication. Example: "The system is designed to initiate a response when it detects an anomaly in the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Should they initiate a response if requested by the local government?

The Guardian

To initiate a response, it relies on the detection of invaders, where lectin-carbohydrate interactions play a major role.

Structure

In this study, we propose a concept in which the temperature of the membrane itself can be directly controlled to initiate a response of the membrane surface.

Journal of Membrane Science

For example, more time is required to initiate a response in experiments in which the instructions are "Press the button with your right hand when the green light comes on, but with your left hand when the red light comes on" than if the instructions are, "Push the button if either light comes on".

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the first hint of any trouble, meet and initiate a response.

Forbes

The frequency of RRS activation (11 Vs. 48/1000 admissions, p < 0.001) was increased, with only a 0.7% failure to initiate a response where indicated.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The automatic self-regulation system responds first, orienting to where the stimulus is coming from and initiating a response.

Harvard University

The FBI — already facing intense scrutiny for its handling of political matters — described a Jan . 5tip from "a person close to Nikolas Cruz," a tip officials acknowledge should have initiated a response.

The Washington Post

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) initiated a response to eradicate the beetle population.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

The Ministry for Primary Industries initiated a response with the aim of eradicating the beetle population.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

There is no question that waiting until an outbreak is established before initiating a response has high costs beyond the human toll of the virus.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initiate a response" in technical documentation, ensure that you clearly define what triggers the response and what the expected outcome should be. This avoids ambiguity and ensures proper system behavior.

Common error

While "initiate a response" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "start a reaction" or "trigger a reply" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initiate a response" functions as a verb phrase, where 'initiate' is the verb indicating the action of starting something, and 'a response' is the noun phrase representing the object being acted upon. Ludwig examples show its use in technical and procedural contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initiate a response" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of beginning a reaction or reply. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for various formal contexts. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic sources, indicating its versatility and reliability. While alternatives like "start a response" or "trigger a response" exist, "initiate a response" maintains a level of formality suitable for technical and official communications. Remember to define the triggering conditions clearly when using this phrase in technical documentation to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start a response

Direct synonym, implying the beginning of a reaction or reply.

trigger a response

Focuses on the action that causes the response to begin.

begin a response

Similar to 'start a response', but can imply a more formal or deliberate action.

commence a response

More formal than 'start' or 'begin', suitable for official or technical contexts.

elicit a response

Highlights the act of drawing out a response from someone or something.

prompt a response

Suggests that something encourages or causes the response.

activate a reaction

Emphasizes the change from an inactive to an active state.

set off a reaction

Implies a chain of events that are started by an initial action.

instigate a reaction

Implies that the response is perhaps controversial or unwanted.

generate a response

Focuses on the creation or production of the response.

FAQs

What does "initiate a response" mean?

The phrase "initiate a response" means to start or trigger a reaction or reply. It's often used in formal or technical contexts to describe the beginning of a process or action.

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

You can use "initiate a response" in sentences like, "The system will "start a response" when it detects an anomaly" or "The protocol requires us to "trigger a response" immediately."

What are some alternatives to "initiate a response"?

Alternatives include "start a response", "trigger a response", or "begin a response". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "initiate a response" or "trigger a response"?

"Initiate a response" and "trigger a response" are both correct. "Trigger a response" might be preferred in contexts where the action is more immediate or forceful, while "initiate a response" can be more general and formal.