nervous reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nervous reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physiological or emotional response that occurs when someone feels anxious or uneasy. Example: "During the presentation, I noticed a nervous reaction in my colleague, as she fidgeted with her notes and avoided eye contact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Manea: "It was a nervous reaction".

The Guardian - Sport

"It might have been sort of a nervous reaction.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said he was troubled by his own nervous reaction and quickly shrugged off his suspicions.

The New York Times

He had laughed at the time but it was "just nervous reaction".

Independent

A machine, the E-meter, was invaluable in these auditing procedures, detecting tiny skin deviations in nervous reaction.

The Guardian - Books

Then the famous smile kicks in, though it feels more like a nervous reaction than like a sign of joy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The appearance of the armed men has caused nervous reactions across the province.

The New York Times

When a person becomes agitated, he said, involuntary nervous reactions alter these shapes, changing the tone and pacing of speech.

The New York Times

Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal firmly rejected the admissibility of the device, which measures truthfulness by recording nervous reactions to specific questions.

Independent

Ross, a man of many nervous reactions, was made uneasy by what he felt was a macabre streak in Barton's work, and Barton, though a personal friend, was not his favorite artist — Peter Arno was — or anything like as central to the young magazine's workings and look as Rea Irvin.

The New Yorker

There you have it: Ridding yourself of nervous reactions is a matter of subtraction, not addition.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "nervous reaction", be specific about the observable behaviors or feelings. For example, instead of just stating someone had a "nervous reaction", describe their fidgeting, sweating, or stammering.

Common error

Avoid using "nervous reaction" as a catch-all term for any negative response. Ensure the reaction genuinely stems from nervousness, anxiety, or unease, rather than other emotions like anger or sadness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nervous reaction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a specific type of response characterized by nervousness or anxiety. Ludwig provides examples across diverse contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nervous reaction" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a response driven by anxiety or unease. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, showcasing its usage in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While suitable for general use, be mindful of overgeneralizing the term and consider using more specific descriptors when appropriate, especially in formal or scientific settings. When writing about "nervous reactions", be specific and detailed about the behavior in order to write precisely about the topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxiety response

Focuses specifically on the anxiety aspect of the reaction.

anxious response

Similar to "anxiety response", but uses an adjective to describe the reaction.

stress response

Highlights the reaction as a response to stress.

uneasy feeling

Shifts the focus to the feeling of unease rather than a reaction.

physiological response to stress

Highlights the body's physical response to stress.

acute stress reaction

Describes a specific type of reaction to sudden and severe stress.

flight or fight response

Emphasizes the instinctive reaction to perceived danger, involving a physiological response.

fight, flight or freeze response

Expands on the 'fight or flight' response, adding the element of 'freeze'.

startled response

Highlights a sudden, unexpected reaction often due to surprise.

emotional response

A broader term, it describes the general response to any kind of emotion including nervousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "nervous reaction" to describe someone's response to a stressful situation. For example, "The defendant showed a clear "nervous reaction" when the verdict was read".

What is a good substitute for "nervous reaction"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "anxiety response", "stress response", or "uneasy feeling".

Is "nervous reaction" a formal or informal term?

"Nervous reaction" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more technical terms like "physiological response to stress" might be preferred in scientific or medical settings.

What causes a "nervous reaction"?

A "nervous reaction" can be triggered by various stressors, including anxiety, fear, or anticipation. It involves both psychological and physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and sweating.