severe reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe reaction" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually refers to a strong or intense physical or emotional reaction to something. For example, "She had a severe reaction to the medicine, so the doctor prescribed something else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Despite investors' severe reaction to Coke's announcement, there were several bright spots in its report.

The New York Times

My sons have adrenaline kits to treat a severe reaction.

The New York Times - Health

following a severe reaction to an asthma medication.

The New York Times

The figure was not much different for patients with the severe reaction known as anaphylaxis.

The New York Times - Health

The therapy caused such a severe reaction that "my skin peeled off over my body," Belvin said.

The New Yorker

He thought that some patients and GPs had wrongly assumed the severe reaction was as common as the mild one.

The Guardian

During a third round of testing in high school, Sarah had a severe reaction and passed out.

The New York Times - Health

But even then, the antibodies do not necessarily portend a severe reaction, Dr. Boyce said.

The New York Times - Health

And a child who already suffered from fears and phobias will be more vulnerable to a severe reaction than one who has a more calm temperament.

The New York Times

Still, many at the lab voice puzzlement over the severe reaction from Mr. Nanos, University of California overseers and Energy Department officials in Washington.

The New York Times

But a change in declaratory policy with the US fully accepting this assistance is likely to give rise to a severe reaction in Ankara," Ülgen said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions, use "severe reaction" to accurately convey the intensity and potential danger of the body's response. Always provide context to clarify the cause and symptoms of the reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "severe reaction" to describe minor discomfort or slight irritations. Save it for situations where the response is genuinely serious and potentially life-threatening. Describing minor issues as "severe reactions" dilutes the term's impact and can cause unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe reaction" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes an intense or extreme response to a stimulus, condition, or event. As shown in Ludwig, it is often used in medical and general contexts to indicate significant adverse effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe reaction" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an intense response. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, especially in medical and news-related fields. While it's essential to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement for minor discomfort, this phrase effectively conveys the seriousness of a situation. Related phrases like "adverse reaction" or "strong response" can offer subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can employ "severe reaction" with precision and impact. Remember to consider the source and context to ensure your usage aligns with established standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adverse reaction

This alternative is more general, encompassing any unwanted or harmful effect.

serious consequence

This alternative shifts the focus to the outcome or result of an action or event.

extreme consequence

This option focuses on the extremity of the results caused by an action.

acute response

This alternative highlights the sudden and intense nature of the reaction.

strong response

This option is more neutral, simply indicating a significant reaction without necessarily implying negativity.

intense response

This alternative simply emphasizes the strength and magnitude of the response.

harsh repercussions

This option emphasizes the negative and often punitive nature of the consequences.

drastic effect

This phrase denotes a significant and often sudden impact or change.

critical impact

This option highlights the crucial and potentially decisive nature of the effect.

marked effect

This term simply denotes the visibility of the impact, calling it marked.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe reaction" to describe intense responses to medications, allergies, or other stimuli. For example, "The patient experienced a "severe reaction" to the new antibiotic, requiring immediate medical intervention."

What are some synonyms for "severe reaction"?

Alternatives to "severe reaction" include "adverse reaction", "strong response", or "drastic effect", depending on the context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "severe reaction" in formal writing?

Yes, "severe reaction" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or medical contexts where precise language is essential. However, ensure the severity aligns with the actual response being described.

What's the difference between "severe reaction" and "allergic reaction"?

"Allergic reaction" is a specific type of immune response, while "severe reaction" is a more general term describing the intensity of any reaction, which could include allergic reactions, drug side effects, or other adverse responses. A "allergic reaction" can be a "severe reaction", but not all "severe reactions" are "allergic reactions".