react

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "react" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing responses or actions taken in reaction to a stimulus or situation. Example: "When faced with criticism, it's important to take a moment before you react."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though all of us are all sensitive to heat, and quick to react when it climbs above our comfort levels, our knowledge of how it might affect our health doesn't really go beyond sunstrokes and fainting spells.

The Guardian

If we don't supply volunteers, we don't yet know how the council will react.

The Guardian - Books

A former senior diplomat to Indonesia, John McCarthy, said the Abbott government had no choice but to react with "uncompromising displeasure".

The Guardian

How will other colleagues react to the disability?

The Guardian

The aim of the negotiations is to reconfigure the Iranian nuclear programme so that the international community can be confident it will not be used to build a warhead in secret, or so quickly that Iran becomes a nuclear-armed state before the rest of the world has time to react.

The Guardian

He says he has been criticised over the project – another man trying to tell women's stories for them – and has struggled not to react.

The Guardian - Arts

Conte's rotation policy has come under scrutiny, with Andrea Pirlo substituted twice already this season and seeming to react badly to it – heading straight down the tunnel after being withdrawn against Verona.

The Guardian - Sport

"The nets out the back are no different to any other nets but then you come out in the middle and you have to react to the slope.

The Guardian - Sport

"One person further asked how Heidi and I would react if we found out one of our (4- and 7-year-old) daughters were gay.

The Guardian

It's perfectly possible that she will react badly, not least as it may come as a shock.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In the event of a major crisis, you have to have a plan and it is this that allows you to react quickly and limit the consequences," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "react", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it a simple response, a retaliation, or a reciprocal action? Choose a synonym if a more specific meaning is intended.

Common error

While "react" is common, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Replace it with more precise verbs like "respond", "retaliate", or "reciprocate" to add clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "react" is as an intransitive verb, indicating an action or response to a stimulus. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, showing how entities or individuals "react" to different situations. The word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "react" is a grammatically correct and very common term used to describe a response to a stimulus or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily as an intransitive verb. While highly versatile, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as a simple response, retaliation, or reciprocal action, and choose a more precise synonym if needed. Although "react" is frequently used in news and media, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less sophisticated, so consider alternatives like "respond", "reply", or "retaliate" for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond

A direct synonym, indicating a reply or reaction to something.

reply

Similar to respond, but often implies a verbal or written response.

act in response

More formal and emphasizes the action taken as a result of something.

retaliate

Implies a negative reaction, often in response to an attack or provocation.

show a reaction

Focuses on displaying an emotional or physical response.

reciprocate

Suggests a mutual or corresponding action or feeling.

counteract

Indicates an action taken to neutralize or offset something.

take action

A broader term suggesting any form of action in relation to an event.

make a comeback

Specifically used when returning to a previous form.

give feedback

Implies a response aimed to evaluate or adjust another action

FAQs

How can I use "react" in a sentence?

You can use "react" to describe a response to a situation, event, or stimulus. For example, "How did she "react" to the news?" or "The chemical "reacts" with the acid."

What are some alternatives to "react"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "respond", "reply", or "retaliate" to describe different types of reactions.

Is it better to say "react to" or "react on"?

The correct preposition to use with "react" is "to". You should say "react to something" rather than "react on something".

What's the difference between "react" and "respond"?

"React" generally implies a more immediate or instinctive response, while "respond" can suggest a more considered or thoughtful reply. Both terms indicate a reaction to a stimulus, but their connotations differ slightly.