retaliate strongly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retaliate strongly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a response to an action or behavior that is perceived as aggressive or harmful, indicating a forceful reaction. Example: "After the unfair treatment, she decided to retaliate strongly against her critics by publicly addressing their accusations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The increased frequency and intensity of the attacks also demonstrates Israel's desire to take advantage of the chaotic situation, security experts say, as well as its calculation that Syria, Hezbollah and Iran are too preoccupied and weakened by the raging conflict in Syria to retaliate strongly against even a brazen escalation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We will strongly retaliate against North Korean provocations, but if North Korea accepts change and joins us in dialogue, we will try to build mutual trust for co-prosperity," Ms. Park told Mr. Kerry, according to an account provided by her office.

The New York Times

— how strongly should Mexico retaliate?

The New York Times

Corbo retaliated today with a statement: "We strongly disagree with Mr. Heyman's mischaracterization of our business, strategy and prospects".

Forbes

The report strongly condemns the department for violating "the First Amendment by retaliating against individuals engaged in constitutionally protected activities".

The Guardian

Second, they cannot deny that Israeli citizens have suffered horribly from Palestinian rocket attacks; presumably the boycotters strongly object to Israel's use of "collective responsibility" when retaliating and hence killing innocent civilians.

The Guardian

China has strongly denied that its food exports are hazardous and has seemingly retaliated against criticisms in recent weeks by seizing American and European imports.

The New York Times

Our current understanding of the evolutionary stability of mutualisms (cooperation between species) is strongly shaped by the view that they are often maintained by partners having mechanisms to avoid or retaliate against exploitation by cheaters.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

And it might retaliate.

The Economist

Lukashenko may retaliate.

The New York Times

He vowed to retaliate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance your writing, consider using related but more descriptive verbs like "counterattack", "strike back", or "respond" to provide a more vivid and detailed picture of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "retaliate strongly" in contexts where a simple response or reaction is sufficient. "Retaliate" implies a negative initial action, so using it in a neutral situation can create an unintended adversarial tone. Opt for neutral alternatives like "respond" or "react" when the situation doesn't involve aggression or harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retaliate strongly" functions as a verb phrase expressing a forceful response to a perceived provocation. As Ludwig AI underlines, this describes a significant reaction. The adverb "strongly" emphasizes the intensity of the verb "retaliate".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retaliate strongly" is a phrase used to describe a forceful response, typically in reaction to a perceived wrong or aggression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though its frequency is considered uncommon. The phrase is primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral register. When writing, ensure the context warrants the intensity implied by "retaliate", and consider alternative phrases like "respond with force" or "strike back decisively" to provide nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond with force

Replaces "retaliate" with "respond" and "strongly" with "with force", focusing on the intensity of the reaction.

strike back decisively

Uses "strike back" to replace "retaliate", emphasizing a counter-attack, and "decisively" to convey strength.

take vigorous action in response

Replaces "retaliate" with a more formal "take vigorous action in response", highlighting the active countermeasure.

mount a powerful counterattack

Emphasizes the aggressive nature of the response by using "counterattack" instead of "retaliate" and "powerful" instead of "strongly".

hit back hard

Uses a more informal and direct phrase "hit back hard" to convey a strong retaliatory action.

offer a robust response

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the response with "robust", differing from just strength.

react with considerable strength

Replaces "retaliate" with "react" and uses "considerable strength" to quantify the intensity of the response.

deliver a stinging rebuke

Focuses on a verbal or symbolic response rather than a physical one, using "stinging rebuke" to indicate a sharp and forceful reaction.

exact a severe retribution

Emphasizes the punitive aspect of the response, using "exact a severe retribution" to convey a strong and harsh retaliation.

answer with overwhelming power

Highlights the imbalance of power in the response by using "overwhelming power" to describe the retaliation.

FAQs

What does "retaliate strongly" mean?

The phrase "retaliate strongly" means to respond forcefully or aggressively to an action, attack, or perceived wrong. It implies a significant and impactful reaction.

How can I use "retaliate strongly" in a sentence?

You can use "retaliate strongly" to describe how someone or something responds to an action, for example: "If provoked, the nation vowed to "retaliate strongly" against any aggression."

What are some alternatives to "retaliate strongly"?

Some alternatives include "respond with force", "strike back decisively", or "take vigorous action in response". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "retaliate strongly" versus a milder term like "respond"?

"Retaliate strongly" is appropriate when describing a forceful and aggressive response to an action perceived as harmful or unjust. A milder term like "respond" is more suitable for neutral or less confrontational situations.