reacted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reacted to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing how someone responded to a particular situation, event, or stimulus. Example: "She reacted to the news with surprise and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I reacted to the silence.

The New York Times - Arts

HOW has Pakistan reacted to her shooting?

The New York Times

Lagerfeld reacted to the book with rage.

The New Yorker

Most people reacted to Cilla's death.

Independent

Van Gundy quickly reacted to the comments.

The New York Times

HOW have people reacted to the episode?

The New York Times

Booksellers reacted to the news with dismay.

The New York Times

Mama wrongly reacted to some bad words..

The Guardian - Sport

And I realised people reacted to it.

The Guardian - Music

How had people reacted to him?

The Guardian

"They just reacted to an event.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reacted to", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what is reacting, and the object specifies the stimulus or event causing the reaction. For example: "The public reacted to the policy change with outrage."

Common error

Avoid using "reacted to" with inanimate subjects when a more appropriate verb would better describe the mechanical or expected response. For example, instead of "The machine reacted to the input", consider "The machine responded to the input" or "The machine processed the input".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reacted to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a response or action triggered by a specific stimulus. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe how someone or something responded to a particular event, situation, or stimulus. Examples show its use in various contexts, from personal reactions to news to scientific responses in experiments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reacted to" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a response to a stimulus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts. The phrase is most common in news and media, as well as scientific writing, and can be considered neutral in tone. While synonyms such as ""responded to"" and "replied to" exist, "reacted to" often implies a more immediate or emotional response. When using "reacted to", ensure the subject and stimulus are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responded to

Indicates a reply or reaction, often implying a more considered or formal response.

replied to

Specifically refers to a verbal or written response, often in direct communication.

answered to

Suggests providing an answer or explanation, often in response to a question or accusation.

acknowledged

Implies recognition or acceptance of something, which may or may not involve an overt action.

took action on

Emphasizes the action taken as a result of something, rather than the emotional or intellectual response.

addressed

Focuses on dealing with a problem or issue, often in a formal or official capacity.

countered

Suggests an opposing action or argument in response to something.

retaliated against

Implies a response involving revenge or punishment.

coped with

Highlights the process of dealing with a difficult situation or event, emphasizing resilience.

adjusted to

Indicates adaptation or modification in response to changing circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "reacted to" in a sentence?

Use "reacted to" to describe how someone or something responded to a stimulus. For example, "The audience "responded to" the performance with applause".

What are some alternatives to "reacted to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""responded to"", "replied to", or "acknowledged".

Is it correct to say "reacted at" instead of "reacted to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "reacted" in this context is "to". "Reacted at" is not standard English usage.

What's the difference between "reacted to" and "responded to"?

While both phrases indicate a response, "reacted to" often implies a more immediate or emotional response, whereas ""responded to"" can suggest a more considered or deliberate reply.