react like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "react like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's response or behavior in a specific situation, often implying that the reaction is unexpected or noteworthy. Example: "I was surprised to see him react like that when he heard the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"But you can't react like that.

The Guardian - Sport

No, I doubt they would react like that.

The Guardian

Trying to console her, Mr. Webb explained why a man just might react like that.

The New York Times

You can't react like that.

BBC

A manager just cannot legislate for a player to react like that.

BBC

I often wonder why more people don't react like that.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

I miss reacting like that.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was amazed that people reacted like that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There's sections of the crowd that weren't very happy and I don't blame them for reacting like that.

The Guardian - Sport

Well that's just because I'm familiar enough with certain sectors of the public's reactions to know that some people are going to be reacting like that.

Vice

"The last time he reacted like that was Beats," Mr. Iovine said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a surprising or unexpected response, use "react like that" to highlight the unusual nature of the reaction. For example: "I didn't expect him to react like that when I told him the news."

Common error

While "react like that" is acceptable in many situations, it can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise language to describe the specific behavior or response. Alternatives include "respond in that manner" or "behave in such a way".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "react like that" functions as a verb phrase. It's typically used to describe and comment on someone's response or behavior in a specific situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

8%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "react like that" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe someone's response or behavior, often implying surprise or judgment. While deemed correct and usable by Ludwig AI, it's important to consider the context, as more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional settings. Common sources include News & Media and Wiki, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives like "respond in that manner" or "behave in that way" offer greater formality and precision. Remember to use it when you need to emphasize the unexpected or noteworthy nature of a reaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

react in this way

Uses 'in this way' instead of 'like that', indicating a specific mode of reaction.

react in that fashion

Swaps 'like that' with 'in that fashion', slightly formalizing the expression.

respond in that manner

Replaces 'react' with 'respond' and 'like that' with 'in that manner', offering a more formal tone.

behave in that way

Substitutes 'react' with 'behave' and 'like that' with 'in that way', focusing on the observable action.

act in that manner

Similar to 'behave in that way', but with a slightly different emphasis on the performance of an action.

act in such a fashion

Replaces 'react' with 'act' and 'like that' with 'in such a fashion', creating a more descriptive and somewhat formal alternative.

respond in such a way

Uses 'respond' instead of 'react' and 'in such a way' instead of 'like that' to emphasize the manner of response.

behave in this manner

A more formal version using 'behave' and 'in this manner', implying a conscious choice of action.

respond in that style

Replaces 'react' with 'respond' and 'like that' with 'in that style', suggesting a particular pattern of response.

respond in this fashion

Combines 'respond' with 'in this fashion' for a slightly more sophisticated tone, highlighting the reaction's presentation.

FAQs

How can I use "react like that" in a sentence?

You can use "react like that" to describe someone's response or behavior in a particular situation. For instance, "I was surprised to see him react like that when he heard the news."

What's a more formal alternative to "react like that"?

More formal alternatives include "respond in that manner" or "behave in that way", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "react like that"?

Yes, "react like that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe someone's behavior or reaction to a specific event or situation.

What does "react like that" imply about the reaction being described?

"React like that" often implies that the reaction is surprising, unexpected, or noteworthy in some way. It suggests that the reaction is not typical or ordinary.