reactive response

USAGE SUMMARY

"reactive response" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an action, thought, or feeling that is caused by an external event. For example, "The reduction in staffing levels caused a reactive response from the employees, resulting in a decrease in productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

A proactive, not reactive, response was called for.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The I.S.P.'s take off material when they are notified of it, but it is a very reactive response," the superintendent said.

The New York Times

Many features of modernity, intensified beyond a certain level, produce a reactive response.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Does the updated policy restrict funding to any organization that "even *mentions* abortion?" Not entirely, if one believes a reactive response still qualifies as a mention.

The Washington Post

Bisley said he did not envisage "a particularly provocative or reactive" response from China unless pressure from the US meant its leaders felt obliged to hit back to avoid looking weak before a domestic audience.

The Guardian

The tumor stroma showed signs of a reactive response [18, 19] with increased type 2 (CD163+) macrophage infiltration, vascular density and hyaluronic acid, and reduced levels of caveolin-1, androgen receptors, and mast cells (Tables 2, 3).

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

These materials exhibited excellent sensing characteristics; moreover, the two sensors exhibited cross-reactive response patterns, making these compounds very promising candidates for array-based vapor-sensing applications.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

The differential HA-specific and HA cross-reactive response in individuals may be resulted from host genetic and background immunity (Pappas et al., 2014).

Protein & Cell

While most immunogens generate antibodies that neutralize a subset of T-cell-line-adapted strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), none so far have generated a potent, broadly cross-reactive response against primary isolates of the virus.

Duke University

As xenoantigens are highly homologous to native peptides, they can be capable of eliciting a specific cross-reactive response towards the host self-antigen that can overcome tolerance issues.

Cancer Nanotechnology

If you've been practicing TM consistently, when a thought that may spike blood pressure or the emotions or actions that lead to a spike in blood pressure comes along, your reconditioned, non-reactive response should ensue, thereby averting the emotion or action response that would normally take place.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reactive response", consider whether a more specific term might be appropriate to convey the precise nature of the reaction. For instance, use "defensive maneuver" instead of "reactive response" if you are writing about martial arts.

Common error

Avoid using "reactive response" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, identify the specific type of reaction and use more descriptive language to enhance clarity. For example, instead of saying "The company had a reactive response to the crisis", specify what they did: "The company issued a public apology in response to the crisis."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reactive response" functions as a noun phrase, typically describing an action or behavior that is triggered by an external stimulus or event. Ludwig provides examples where it is used to denote how individuals or organizations respond to particular situations, aligning with the description provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reactive response" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a response triggered by an external stimulus. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific, news, and business contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in tone and serves to categorize actions dependent on external factors. While versatile, it's advisable to use more specific terms when appropriate to enhance clarity. Understanding its usage, as highlighted by Ludwig, can help writers effectively communicate the nature of responses in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondary response

Refers to a response that follows an initial action or event.

reactionary response

Implies a response that is against progress or change, often politically motivated.

immediate reaction

Focuses on the speed and directness of the reaction.

radical response

Suggests a response that is extreme or fundamental in nature.

active response

Highlights that response is proactive and energetic.

interactive response

Indicates a response that involves reciprocal action or communication.

remedial response

Describes a response that is intended to correct or improve a situation.

agile response

Emphasizes the speed and flexibility of the response.

passive response

Implies a response that is inactive or accepting without resistance.

repressive response

Suggests a response that suppresses or controls something.

FAQs

How can I use "reactive response" in a sentence?

You can use "reactive response" to describe a response that occurs as a direct result of a specific event or action. For example, "The government's "active response" to the pandemic included travel bans and lockdowns."

What's a good alternative to "reactive response"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "secondary response", "reactionary response", or "immediate reaction".

Is "reactive response" formal or informal language?

"Reactive response" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very formal writing, you might opt for a more precise synonym to enhance clarity and specificity.

What is the difference between "reactive response" and "proactive response"?

"Reactive response" implies acting in response to a situation that has already occurred, while "proactive response" involves taking action in anticipation of a future event or problem. The former is about addressing existing issues; the latter is about preventing potential issues.