reactive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reactive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response or behavior that is influenced by external stimuli or changes in the environment. Example: "The software is reactive to user inputs, adjusting its functionality based on the commands given."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Her specialty is dogs that are reactive to other dogs or have leash reactivity.

Huffington Post

"We were reactive to others' proposals".

The New York Times

"It has been derivative of Clinton and reactive to Bush".

The New York Times

Mr. Fornas added: "We are reactive to market conditions.

The New York Times

"Right now, we're being reactive to things.

The New York Times

Audit committees must be proactive, not merely reactive, to ensure the quality and integrity of corporate financial reports.

The New York Times

"We're trying to be more reactive to where we see changes in technology and changes in viewer interest," Lewin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Murphy explains: "This sounds simple but it involves a challenge to the prevailing culture of being reactive to failure.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Microscopically, the tumor was immune-reactive to vimentin.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

His sexual motivation (libido) is nil-to-sluggish, and he's hyper-reactive to a range of drugs.

Huffington Post

The pupil was reactive to light in both eyes.

BMC Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reactive to", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and the external factor causing the reaction is explicit. This clarifies the relationship and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "reactive to" when "proactive about" is more appropriate. "Reactive to" implies responding to a stimulus, while "proactive about" suggests taking initiative to address a potential issue before it arises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reactive to" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its tendency to respond to stimuli. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reactive to" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe the tendency of something to respond to external stimuli. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and business. While "reactive to" is useful for describing responses, it's important to differentiate it from being proactive and to use more contextually appropriate alternatives like "responsive to" or "sensitive to" when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsive to

Focuses on the ability to respond readily and positively.

sensitive to

Implies a heightened awareness and susceptibility to external factors.

amenable to

Suggests a willingness to be influenced or persuaded.

susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability and potential negative impact from external forces.

liable to

Indicates a probability or tendency to be affected by something.

open to

Emphasizes a receptive attitude towards new ideas or influences.

adaptive to

Highlights the ability to adjust and thrive in changing conditions.

impressionable to

Implies being easily influenced, especially in a formative stage.

answerable to

Suggests accountability and the need to justify actions or decisions.

subject to

Indicates that something is conditional and dependent on external factors.

FAQs

How is "reactive to" used in a sentence?

The phrase "reactive to" is used to describe how something responds to an external stimulus. For example, "The company was "reactive to" market changes by adjusting its product line."

What are some alternatives to "reactive to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "responsive to", "sensitive to", or "amenable to".

Is it better to be "reactive to" or proactive?

Being proactive is generally considered more advantageous as it involves taking control and anticipating events. Being ""reactive to"", on the other hand, implies responding after an event has already occurred, which can sometimes limit options.

What's the difference between "reactive to" and "reactionary to"?

"Reactive to" generally describes a direct response to a stimulus, while "reactionary to" often implies a resistance to change and a desire to return to a previous state.