legitimate response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a reply or answer that is valid, justifiable, or acceptable in a given context. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I believe that his explanation was a legitimate response to the accusations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have had no legitimate response.

The Washington Post

They view the crackdown as a legitimate response.

The Guardian

But isn't anger or even hate sometimes a legitimate response?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Victimhood is a legitimate response to targeted abuse.

The Guardian

"Vote for Dave and we'll get rid of punctuation" is therefore one legitimate response.

The Guardian

But resistance is a legitimate response of the occupied against the occupiers".

The New York Times

Supporters say the strike is a legitimate response to cruel and inhumane conditions.

The Guardian

I aired an unpopular opinion, which was answered by an equally legitimate response.

The Washington Post

Dish says the Hopper is a legitimate response to changing consumer behavior.

The New York Times

"Of course we regret what happened, but … it was considered a legitimate response at the time.

Independent

And for that household it might be a perfectly legitimate response".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate response", ensure the context clearly establishes the criteria for legitimacy. For example, specify whether the response is legitimate legally, ethically, or emotionally.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is a "legitimate response" without providing the context or justification for its legitimacy. Always clarify why the response is considered legitimate to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate response" functions as a noun phrase, where 'legitimate' modifies 'response'. Ludwig indicates its use to describe a justifiable or valid reaction. It's often used to rationalize or defend actions taken in complex situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate response" is a commonly used noun phrase signifying a justified or valid reaction, often employed in contexts that demand reasoned consideration and justification. Ludwig highlights its widespread usage across news media and academic sources. While it's grammatically sound and frequently used, it's crucial to provide context and clarification when asserting the legitimacy of a response to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "valid reaction" or "justifiable answer" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid reaction

Replaces 'response' with 'reaction', maintaining the sense of a justified action.

justifiable answer

Substitutes 'response' with 'answer' and 'legitimate' with 'justifiable', emphasizing the defensibility of the reply.

warranted reply

Uses 'warranted' to highlight the justification for the 'reply'.

acceptable answer

Focuses on the 'answer' being within acceptable boundaries.

valid explanation

Replaces 'response' with 'explanation', highlighting the justification.

justified action

Highlights that an action has a valid justification.

defensible reaction

Indicates that the 'reaction' can be defended with reason.

reasonable reply

Emphasizes the rationality and appropriateness of the 'reply'.

appropriate reaction

Focuses on the suitability of the response in a given situation.

permissible answer

Indicates that the 'answer' is allowed or permitted.

FAQs

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

You can use "legitimate response" to describe an action or statement that is considered justifiable or valid in a particular situation. For instance, "The government considered military action a "legitimate response" to the escalating threats".

What are some alternatives to "legitimate response"?

Alternatives include "valid reaction", "justifiable answer", or "warranted reply", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "legitimate response"?

It is appropriate when you want to convey that a particular reaction or action is justified, acceptable, or in accordance with established rules, norms, or expectations.

What's the difference between "legitimate response" and "appropriate response"?

"Legitimate response" emphasizes the validity and justification of the response, often in legal or ethical terms. "Appropriate response" focuses more on the suitability and fittingness of the response in a given social context.