retaliatory action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retaliatory action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is responding to a perceived wrong or aggression with a counteraction. Example: "The company faced criticism for its retaliatory action against employees who spoke out about unsafe working conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's always the fear of retaliatory action, after all.

The New York Times

I am a man!," retaliatory action would be swift.

The New Yorker

Mr. Muhammad said local police officers and border scouts were taking part in retaliatory action.

The New York Times

Both houses of Congress have passed resolutions calling for more retaliatory action than Bush has taken.

The New Yorker

This retaliatory action would speak more eloquently than any words about the American will.

The New York Times

She told him she was "frankly apprehensive about the retaliatory action you propose".

The Guardian

The minister's comments were delivered amid concern that US military intervention in Syria could lead to retaliatory action against Israel.

The Guardian

The Brazilian oil engineers' association threatened a lawsuit and the 132-member nationalist bloc in Congress discussed retaliatory action.

The New York Times

Johnson's call for demonstrations outside Russia's London embassy invited similar, retaliatory action against British interests in Moscow.

The Guardian

They agreed to coordinate any retaliatory action against European-based airlines that fly internationally, like Air France and British Airways, and listed nine possible ways to do so.

The New York Times

The industry group representing Canadian manufacturers has identified seven bills with protectionist provisions making their way through Capitol Hill and is calling for Canada to threaten retaliatory action.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the tone when using "retaliatory action". It can imply aggression or justified defense, so choose the word that best reflects the intended sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "retaliatory action" when a more neutral term like "response" or "countermeasure" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can create an unnecessarily adversarial tone. Consider the specific intent and choose the most fitting term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retaliatory action" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes a specific type of action taken in response to a perceived offense. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Huffington Post

2%

TechCrunch

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retaliatory action" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an action taken in response to a perceived wrong. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, primarily in news and formal settings. While the phrase is generally neutral, it can carry negative connotations depending on the specific situation. Alternatives like "countermeasure" or "reprisal" may be more appropriate depending on the intended tone and context. When using this term, clarity and careful consideration of the implications are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprisal

Suggests a forceful act of retaliation, often implying a sense of justice or revenge.

response in kind

Emphasizes a similar action done in return for what someone else has done.

reciprocal action

Highlights the mutuality of the response, indicating that it mirrors the initial action.

countermeasure

Focuses on a defensive action taken in response to an attack or perceived threat.

retribution

Implies a more formal or legally sanctioned form of payback.

counter-attack

Indicates an aggressive response to an initial attack, aiming to regain control or inflict damage.

act of revenge

Explicitly denotes an action taken to avenge a perceived wrong.

vindictive measure

Emphasizes the intent to cause pain or suffering in return for a perceived injury.

defensive response

Highlights the protective nature of the action taken.

reactive step

Suggests that the action is a direct result of a preceding event or action.

FAQs

What does "retaliatory action" mean?

"Retaliatory action" refers to an action taken in response to a perceived wrong or aggression. It's an act of responding to an initial action, often with the intent of inflicting similar or greater harm.

How is "retaliatory action" used in a sentence?

You can use "retaliatory action" in sentences like: "The company faced criticism for its "retaliatory action" against employees." or "The country threatened "retaliatory action" if its trade agreements were violated."

What are some alternatives to "retaliatory action"?

Alternatives to "retaliatory action" include "countermeasure", "response in kind", or "reprisal". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "retaliatory action" always a negative thing?

While "retaliatory action" often carries a negative connotation because it implies a response to harm, it can sometimes be viewed as a necessary or justifiable defense. The perception depends heavily on the context and the perceived fairness of the initial action.