respond to the legacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "respond to the legacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how to address or react to the impact or influence of something that has come before, such as traditions, values, or historical events. Example: "In our new policy, we aim to respond to the legacy of our founders by upholding their commitment to community service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

How are we to respond to the legacy of colonialism?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But here's my favorite, perhaps because it has to do with the particular zone my child is enrolled in, and also says something about the way the city has responded to the legacy of September 11th.

The New Yorker

Generally, postcolonialism can be thought of as an interdisciplinary approach to revealing, analyzing and responding to the legacies of imperialism that permeate the healthcare system and create health inequities [ 21, 24– 26].

BMC Medical Education

The taxes needed to pay those benefits may be the equivalent of GM's legacy costs.UPDATE Just to respond to the comment of blogeconomist (good pen-name), surely it depends on the mobility of labour and capital.

The Economist

It's a great loss but through all those who continue to respond to the challenges he posed, he left us a great legacy.

The New York Times

In addition to the debate over anti-terrorism policies and surveillance, Republicans are divided over how to respond to the rapid rise of the Islamic State militant group in Syria and Iraq, as well as the legacy of the Iraq war.

Los Angeles Times

There is a natural tension between Obama's interest in polishing his legacy and emphasizing every achievement in his final months in office and Clinton's strategic need to respond to the real problems that voters face.

The New Yorker

How to respond to the onslaught?

The New Yorker

How to respond to the sufficiency problem?

SEP

Comedy Central declined to respond to the comments.

Wikipedia

For homework, students responded to the following: "Describe what you think Steve Jobs's legacy to the world is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "respond to the legacy", consider the specific aspect of the legacy you are addressing. Be clear about whether you are accepting, rejecting, modifying, or building upon it.

Common error

Ensure you're specific about which "legacy" you're referencing. Vague references can confuse readers and weaken your argument. Instead of saying "we must respond to the legacy", specify whose legacy or which historical period's legacy you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respond to the legacy" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action taken in relation to something inherited from the past. As shown in the Ludwig AI examples, it denotes addressing, reacting, or dealing with the impact or influence of prior events or figures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "respond to the legacy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes how an individual or group addresses the impact of past events or influences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying which legacy you are referencing. Alternatives include "address the inheritance" or "tackle the heritage", depending on the desired nuance. Avoiding vague references will help strengthen your writing and ensure your message is clearly understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

react to the inheritance

Uses "react" instead of "respond", implying a more immediate and less planned response.

address the inheritance

Substitutes "legacy" with "inheritance", focusing on what is received from the past.

tackle the heritage

Replaces "respond" with "tackle", suggesting a more proactive approach to dealing with the legacy.

manage the heritage

Suggests a more controlled and planned approach to dealing with the past.

deal with the aftermath

Emphasizes the consequences of past events, rather than the legacy itself.

confront the heritage

Implies a more direct and potentially challenging approach to the legacy.

acknowledge the inheritance

Focuses on recognizing the impact of the past without necessarily taking action.

engage with the tradition

Suggests a more active and involved approach to understanding and working with the tradition.

grapple with the tradition

Emphasizes the struggle or difficulty in dealing with established practices or beliefs.

counter the historical impact

Focuses on negating or reducing the effects of past events.

FAQs

How can I use "respond to the legacy" in a sentence?

You can use "respond to the legacy" to describe how someone or something reacts to or deals with the impact of past events, traditions, or influences. For instance, "The museum commissioned works by forty-five artists to "respond to Bearden's legacy"".

What's a more formal way to say "respond to the legacy"?

A more formal alternative could be "address the inheritance" or "manage the heritage". These phrases suggest a more deliberate and considered approach to dealing with the impact of the past.

Is it always positive to "respond to the legacy"?

No, "respond to the legacy" doesn't inherently imply a positive action. It simply means to react or deal with the consequences of the past, which could involve challenging, changing, or rejecting aspects of that legacy.

What's the difference between "react to the legacy" and "respond to the legacy"?

"React to the legacy" implies a more immediate, possibly emotional, response, while "respond to the legacy" suggests a more considered and planned approach. The choice depends on the context and the nature of the reaction.