react appropriately

USAGE SUMMARY

"react appropriately" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used in formal or professional contexts to describe how one should respond or behave in a specific situation. Here is an example sentence: "In order to maintain a positive work environment, it is important to react appropriately to constructive criticism and avoid becoming defensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bulgaria is ready to react appropriately in the next days following the development of the situation".

The New York Times

Assuming, of course, that the lower dosages would not render them too incompetent to react appropriately".

The New Yorker

"It can react appropriately to you under a wide range of things you might do and essentially intelligently adapt its behavior," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

What can you do is constantly train so that people know how to think, and when an event occurs, react appropriately".

The New York Times

Also, if we expect the human to leap in and take over, how will the human know how to react appropriately?

The Guardian - Tech

And in the courtroom – that same aquarium, where you need to react appropriately, to answer questions, and to keep track of the testimony of the witnesses.

The Guardian - Opinion

The timing of one of my columns — how to react appropriately when hearing that a friend is laid off — couldn't have been better (or maybe worse).

The New York Times

First, if monetary policy cannot react appropriately for some reason, deflationary pressures through lower wages lead to higher real interest rates, hurting the economy.

The Economist

In fact, it would have been difficult, particularly for civilians unaccustomed to the sounds of war, to know a warning shot when they heard it, or to know where it came from, or how to react appropriately.

The New York Times - Magazine

It "found no evidence that either vessel master had deliberately caused the collision", but said there was "a failure by both masters and the crew[s]... to appreciate and react appropriately to avoid colliding".

The Guardian

The failure to react appropriately to the October 2003 I.C.R.C. [International Committee of the Red Cross] report, following its two visits to Abu Ghraib, is indicative of the weakness of the leadership at Abu Ghraib...

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "react appropriately", consider the specific context and audience to ensure your response is not only correct but also sensitive and well-received.

Common error

Avoid using "react appropriately" without specifying the criteria for appropriate behavior. Clearly define what constitutes an appropriate reaction in the given scenario to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "react appropriately" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action should be performed. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "react appropriately" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase, as verified by Ludwig, commonly used to advise or instruct on suitable behavior in various situations. Its frequency is very common, appearing most often in news, media and scientific contexts. When using "react appropriately", ensure clarity by specifying what constitutes an appropriate response within the given context. Alternatives like "respond accordingly" or "act suitably" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for a wide range of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond accordingly

Focuses on the alignment of the response with the preceding action or situation.

act suitably

Emphasizes the proper or fitting nature of the action taken.

behave correctly

Highlights adherence to expected or prescribed conduct.

handle the situation well

Concentrates on the effectiveness and skill in managing a scenario.

respond in a fitting manner

Stresses the appropriateness and style of the response.

take suitable action

Focuses on the undertaking of measures that are well-suited to the circumstances.

answer appropriately

Specifically refers to providing a suitable reply or response, often in conversation.

deal with it effectively

Emphasizes the efficiency and positive outcome of managing a situation.

exercise good judgment

Highlights the application of sound reasoning and discretion in responding.

show proper conduct

Focuses on demonstrating behavior that is in line with established norms or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "react appropriately" in a sentence?

You can use "react appropriately" to advise someone on how to respond in a given situation. For example, "It's important to "react appropriately" to customer complaints to maintain a positive brand image."

What does it mean to "react appropriately"?

To ""react appropriately"" means to respond to a situation in a way that is suitable, fitting, and in line with expected or desired behavior, considering the context and potential consequences.

What are some alternative phrases for "react appropriately"?

Alternatives include phrases like "respond accordingly", "act suitably", or "behave correctly", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

In what situations is it important to "react appropriately"?

It's crucial to ""react appropriately"" in professional settings, social interactions, and emergency situations where your response can significantly impact the outcome or the perceptions of others.