is responsive to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is responsive to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that someone is receptive or sensitive to something, or that something reacts to something else. You can use "is responsive to" when talking about a person's attitude or behavior towards something, or when discussing how a certain thing or system reacts to certain stimuli. Example: The committee chairperson is responsive to the concerns and needs of the community members. Example: The new software program is responsive to voice commands, making it easier for users to navigate.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I hope this is responsive to your questions.

Stanford University

MITEI's research agenda is responsive to those realities.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In other words, most farming is responsive to market forces.

The Economist

Sometimes through an active and accountable government that is responsive to local needs.

The Guardian - Opinion

No, what matters more is whether the government is responsive to citizens.

The New Yorker

Macron is responsive to public sentiment, and he is building political infrastructure.

The New Yorker

In part, that's because the company is responsive to complaints, a bureau spokesman says.

The New York Times

But the target of "Blackfish" was a corporation, SeaWorld, which is responsive to public pressure.

The Washington Post

Philosophy, at its best, is responsive to these problems and challenges.

Nature

She said he is responsive to directions from his wife but has not yet spoken.

The Washington Post

Also, as my experience shows, Springshare is responsive to the library community in very positive ways.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is responsive to" to emphasize the adaptive nature of a system, entity, or process. This highlights the dynamic interaction between the subject and its environment.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "is responsive to" in technical documents where more precise terms like "reacts to", "modulates with", or "is affected by" could provide greater clarity. Overuse can make the writing seem vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is responsive to" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject has the ability or tendency to react or adapt in a particular way to external stimuli, conditions, or needs. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes sensitivity or receptiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

24%

News & Media

22%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is responsive to" is a versatile construct used to describe sensitivity, adaptability, and reaction to external stimuli. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across numerous contexts. Analysis of example sentences reveals that the phrase frequently appears in scientific, news, and academic domains, denoting that an entity can adequately address external demands or changes. To ensure effective communication, the writing guidance emphasizes the importance of clearly identifying what is being responded to and avoiding overuse in technical contexts. By adhering to these best practices, writers can confidently use "is responsive to" to convey adaptability and sensitivity across various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is attuned to

Implies a heightened sensitivity and awareness, suggesting a more nuanced understanding and reaction.

is reactive to

Suggests a direct and often immediate response to a stimulus, sometimes without proactive consideration.

is sensitive to

Indicates awareness and susceptibility to external influences, highlighting a tendency to be affected by something.

is adaptable to

Emphasizes the ability to adjust and modify according to changing circumstances or needs.

is tailored to

Highlights that something is specifically designed or modified to suit particular requirements or preferences.

is amenable to

Suggests openness and willingness to consider or accept something, implying a cooperative attitude.

is receptive to

Implies a willingness to receive and consider new ideas or suggestions, highlighting openness and acceptance.

is compliant with

Indicates adherence to a set of rules, standards, or requests, suggesting a formal obligation.

is in accordance with

Stresses agreement or conformity with a set of principles or guidelines, emphasizing consistency.

is answerable to

Indicates accountability and the obligation to provide explanations or justifications for actions.

FAQs

How can I use "is responsive to" in a sentence?

Use "is responsive to" to describe something or someone that reacts or adapts well to external stimuli or changes. For example, "The organization "is responsive to" community needs".

What are some alternatives to "is responsive to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is attuned to", "is reactive to", or "is sensitive to".

Is there a difference between "is responsive to" and "is reactive to"?

"Is responsive to" implies a thoughtful and appropriate reaction, whereas "is reactive to" suggests a more immediate, possibly less considered, response. Responsiveness is often seen as a positive trait.

When is it best to use "is responsive to" versus "is adaptable to"?

Use "is responsive to" when highlighting the reaction to a specific input or need. Use "is adaptable to" when emphasizing the capacity to change and adjust to a variety of conditions or circumstances over time.