reasonable reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response or behavior that is considered appropriate or justifiable in a given situation. Example: "Given the circumstances, her decision to leave early was a reasonable reaction to the unexpected news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And that is, I think, a reasonable reaction.

The New Yorker

When Feist opens her mouth, there is only one reasonable reaction: shut up.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a reasonable reaction for the No. 1 player in the world.

The New York Times - Sports

Another car is parked in your driveway, what is the reasonable reaction?

Independent

The only reasonable reaction he is allowed to have is, "Well, I don't know what I expected".

The Guardian - Sport

At the C.I.A., Feder told me, "there were some people who found him arrogant, which was maybe a reasonable reaction".

The New York Times - Magazine

"A reasonable reaction to squeezed margins in banks is that it ought to reduce the remuneration of bankers," he said.

The Guardian - Business

It's a reasonable reaction to any axiom that's supposed to work for all people, in all situations, all the time.

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact, Japan's passiveness today is in large measure a calculated and reasonable reaction to its behavior during the Second World War.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The temptation, upon watching the Knicks blow a 15-point fourth-quarter lead, on their home court, against a nondescript team, is to wail and groan and wonder how and why -- all reasonable reactions for a tormented fan base.

The New York Times

In a statement published on his Web site, www.khodorkovsky.ru, upon his arrival in Moscow about two weeks ago, Mr. Khodorkovsky remarked about certain noticeable changes in Russia, like "attempts to create a normal opposition, reasonable reactions to international events among some of the government elite, and the beginnings of a judicial system that is a separate branch of government".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's behavior or decision, use "reasonable reaction" to convey that it was a logical or justified response to a particular situation. This indicates that the reaction was not excessive or irrational.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable reaction" in every context where a response is involved. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "appropriate response" or "understandable reaction" to maintain freshness and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable reaction" functions as a noun phrase where "reasonable" modifies the noun "reaction". It describes a response or action that is considered logical, justifiable, or appropriate in a given context, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonable reaction" is commonly used to describe a response or behavior that is considered logical, justifiable, and appropriate in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse scenarios. As an adjective-noun phrase, it functions to assess and validate a reaction, conveying understanding or acceptance of it. Found frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, its register is generally neutral, making it versatile for various forms of communication. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "justified response" or "appropriate response" to add variety to your writing. Ensure the context supports the implication that the reaction was indeed logical or justified, preventing overuse for more impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justified response

This alternative replaces 'reasonable' with 'justified', emphasizing the moral or legal correctness of the reaction.

appropriate response

This option uses 'appropriate' instead of 'reasonable', focusing on the suitability of the reaction to the situation.

justifiable reaction

Similar to 'justified response', this emphasizes the defensibility of the reaction.

warranted reaction

This alternative emphasizes that the reaction is justified or deserved based on the circumstances.

understandable reaction

This phrase replaces 'reasonable' with 'understandable', highlighting the ease with which the reaction can be comprehended.

defensible response

This emphasizes that the response can be supported with arguments or evidence.

logical response

This alternative substitutes 'reasonable' with 'logical', stressing the rationality behind the reaction.

sensible response

The word 'sensible' replaces 'reasonable', indicating that the reaction is practical and shows good judgment.

rational response

This option uses 'rational' instead of 'reasonable', underscoring the reaction's basis in reason and logic.

excusable reaction

Replacing 'reasonable' with 'excusable', this suggests that the reaction, while perhaps not ideal, can be forgiven or understood.

FAQs

What does "reasonable reaction" mean?

A "reasonable reaction" is a response that is considered appropriate, logical, or justifiable in a particular situation. It suggests that the reaction is not excessive or irrational.

How can I use "reasonable reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable reaction" to describe a response or behavior that is considered appropriate in a given situation. For example: "Given the circumstances, her decision to leave early was a "reasonable reaction" to the unexpected news."

What can I say instead of "reasonable reaction"?

You can use alternatives like "justified response", "appropriate response", or "understandable reaction" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to describe something as a "reasonable reaction"?

Generally, describing something as a "reasonable reaction" is positive, implying that the response was sensible and justified. However, the specific connotation can depend on the context. For example, a "reasonable reaction" to bad news might still involve sadness or disappointment.