powerful response

USAGE SUMMARY

"powerful response" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or effective reaction or reply to something. Example: The speaker's powerful response to the audience's questions left a lasting impact on their minds.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But we have one powerful response: reality.

The New York Times

That is a powerful response, from both of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is a dignified and symbolically powerful response.

Independent

"What a powerful response to the trauma he had gone through.

The New York Times

The South African issue has generated a powerful response on Capitol Hill.

The New York Times

"If it [illegal filesharing] is a massive problem we could turn on a fast, powerful response," added Hendon.

The Guardian

This provided a powerful response to the SIOE who had come waving Israeli flags in order to provoke a response.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hall recently said that she has never "had such a powerful response to a piece of writing".

The Guardian - Film

Throughout this period, Republican lawmakers promoted the administration's version of the bill as a powerful response to the terrorism threat.

The Washington Post

A central institution in uncovering Operation Car Wash, ENCCLA has acted as a powerful response to Brazil's pervasive problem of interagency coordination.

Cornell University

The last few weeks will culminate in a reading of George Eliot's Daniel Deronda as a powerful response to this literary heritage.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "powerful response", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the strength and nature of the reaction. Be mindful of potential overstatement.

Common error

Avoid using "powerful response" when a simpler adjective like "good" or "helpful" would suffice. Overusing strong adjectives diminishes their impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powerful response" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "powerful" modifies the noun "response". According to Ludwig, this construction indicates a strong or effective reaction to a stimulus. This use is supported by numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "powerful response" effectively conveys a strong or effective reaction, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples. Its versatility allows its presence across various contexts, including news, academia, and general communication. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to consider alternatives like "strong reaction" or "forceful reply" for nuanced expression. To avoid diminishing its impact, reserve "powerful response" for situations where the reaction is truly significant and impactful. The widespread use of the term across diverse sources indicates its place as a standard and understood expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong reaction

Emphasizes the intensity and force of the reaction.

forceful reply

Highlights the directness and assertiveness of the reply.

vigorous answer

Suggests an energetic and robust answer.

effective countermeasure

Implies a practical and successful action taken in response to a threat or problem.

significant comeback

Focuses on the idea of recovering or rebounding in a notable way.

marked retaliation

Conveys a sense of payback or revenge that is noticeable.

intense rejoinder

Highlights a sharp and passionate reply.

substantial answer

Focuses on the importance and consequence of an answer.

emphatic rebuttal

Implies a clear and forceful denial or contradiction.

resolute action

Suggests a determined and unwavering course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "powerful response" to describe reactions, answers, or actions that are strong and effective. For instance, "The government's swift action was a "powerful response" to the crisis".

What's a better alternative to "powerful response" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "forceful reply" or "vigorous answer" to maintain a professional tone while conveying strength.

Is "powerful response" always the best way to describe a strong reaction?

Not always. While "powerful response" indicates strength, it's important to consider the specific context. Alternatives like "effective countermeasure" might be more accurate depending on the situation.

What is the difference between "powerful response" and "strong reaction"?

"Powerful response" often implies an effective and impactful action or statement, while "strong reaction" simply indicates an intense emotional or physical response. A "strong reaction" isn't necessarily effective, but a "powerful response" aims to be.