my initial reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

"my initial reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing your first thoughts or feelings about something. For example, "My initial reaction to the news of his passing was disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My initial reaction was perplexity.

The Guardian - Books

"My initial reaction was embarrassment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My initial reaction is disbelief.

The Guardian

"My initial reaction was one of disbelief".

Independent

My initial reaction was, Good for you.

The New York Times - Sports

"My initial reaction was: 'You're kidding!

The New York Times

My initial reaction was to be appalled.

The Guardian

Each time, my initial reaction was compounded.

The Guardian - Film

But yes, my initial reaction was horror.

MIT Technology Review

My initial reaction was one of euphoria.

The New York Times - Style

"My initial reaction is it's kind of depressing".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my initial reaction" to clearly convey your immediate thoughts or feelings in response to a specific event, statement, or situation. This helps establish context and provides a foundation for further explanation or analysis.

Common error

Avoid presenting "my initial reaction" as a definitive or final judgment. Ensure that you distinguish between your first thoughts and any subsequent reflections or conclusions drawn after further consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my initial reaction" functions as a subject complement or sentence opener, setting the stage for expressing a personal response. It highlights the immediate thoughts or feelings experienced upon encountering something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing first thoughts or feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my initial reaction" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to introduce a person's first thoughts or feelings about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for describing your immediate response. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves to express a subjective viewpoint and set the stage for further analysis or narrative. While versatile, it's important to distinguish between initial reactions and more considered opinions, ensuring clarity in your writing. Consider alternatives like "my first thought" or "my immediate response" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my first thought

Focuses on the immediate cognitive response.

my immediate response

Emphasizes the quick, often instinctive nature of the reaction.

my gut reaction

Highlights an intuitive or emotional response.

my first impression

Highlights the initial perception formed.

my immediate feeling

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the first response.

my spontaneous reaction

Stresses the unprompted, natural response.

my preliminary assessment

Indicates a tentative judgment made early on.

the first thing that came to mind

Emphasizes the immediacy and lack of deliberation.

what struck me first

Focuses on the most prominent aspect that was noticed immediately.

at first blush

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a first impression.

FAQs

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

You can use "my initial reaction" to describe your first thoughts or feelings about something. For example, "My initial reaction was surprise" or "My initial reaction was disappointment."

What are some alternatives to saying "my initial reaction"?

Alternatives include "my first thought", "my immediate response", or "my gut reaction". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "my initial reaction"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "My initial reaction" is a common and accepted phrase in English used to introduce one's immediate response to something.

What's the difference between "my initial reaction" and "my considered opinion"?

"My initial reaction" refers to your immediate, often instinctive response, while "my considered opinion" implies a more thoughtful judgment after reflection and analysis. They represent different stages of processing information.