reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to a response or response to something. For example, "The audience's reaction to the actor's performance was overwhelming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reaction is always kind and compassionate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's an understandable reaction.

The Guardian

Farage was the only leader to provoke an emotional reaction, earning laughs and applause from at least two of the male viewers, who had voted Lib Dem and Labour in 2010.

The Guardian

Though each of them had a very distinct reaction to the challenges of making art that seemed honest and relevant to the present moment, it was also true that in talking to the four of them separately, common themes emerged.

The Guardian

It's not as dangerous as another adverse reaction such as the one you describe, which we call anaphylaxis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Musharaf, now 17 and studying for a science BTec in Huddersfield, couldn't believe the reaction.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But being blind can be a good thing too, as you can't see an interviewer's initial reaction to your disability".

The Guardian

Over time we become addicted to the reaction that performance elicits from those around.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A couple of days ago we had a screening for the community on our town council lawn and that was the night for me … For me I needed to know the reaction of the community to the series more than I need to know the reaction of Australia.

The Guardian - Arts

Short naps have also been shown to be good for adults – improving alertness and reaction times.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Amid Tory shouts of "shame", Cameron told MPs the Brown government had failed seriously to consider, save as an issue to be managed, the reaction to the bomber's release among the victims' families.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, use "reaction" to describe a chemical or physical process. For example: "The chemical reaction produced heat and light."

Common error

Avoid using "reaction" when you actually mean "opinion". "Reaction" implies a response to something, while "opinion" is a personal belief or judgment. Incorrect: "My reaction is that the movie was boring." Correct: "My opinion is that the movie was boring."

Linguistic Context

The word "reaction" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a response or change resulting from a stimulus or event. Ludwig AI confirms that "reaction" accurately describes actions or statements made in response to something, aligning with examples in both general and specialized contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "reaction" is a versatile noun used to describe a response to a stimulus or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a wide range of contexts, most commonly in news, media, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can vary depending on the surrounding language. Remember to use "reaction to" rather than "reaction of", and to avoid confusing it with "opinion". Alternative phrases include "response", "aftermath", and "repercussion" depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

response

Focuses on the action of replying or answering, omitting the causal element.

aftermath

Emphasizes the consequences and results that follow an event, rather than the immediate response.

repercussion

Highlights the indirect or unintended consequences of an action.

counteraction

Implies an action taken to neutralize or offset another action.

reciprocity

Stresses mutual or corresponding action or feeling.

comeback

Refers to a return to a previous condition or success.

feedback

Highlights the information provided about an action or process.

chain reaction

Describes a series of events, where each event causes or influences the next.

chemical change

Specifically refers to transformations at the molecular level.

retaliation

Focuses on an act of revenge or counterattack.

FAQs

How can I use "reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "reaction" to describe a response to an event or stimulus, such as, "The public's reaction to the new policy was largely negative", or to describe a chemical process, such as, "The chemical reaction produced a new compound".

What's a good alternative to the word "reaction"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "response", "aftermath", or "repercussion".

Is it better to say "reaction to" or "reaction of"?

The correct usage is "reaction to". For example, "What was his reaction to the news?" is correct, while "What was his reaction of the news?" is incorrect.

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

"Reaction" often implies a more immediate or instinctive reply to something, while "response" suggests a more considered and thoughtful reply. Both words are related /s/responses, but they have subtle differences in connotation.