slow to react

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slow to react" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that takes a long time to respond or respond appropriately to a situation. Example: "In emergencies, a team that is slow to react can lead to serious consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unions were incredibly slow to react.

Independent

Still, political leaders were slow to react.

The New York Times

Slow to react for Inter's fourth.

Independent

But the camp was slow to react, they complained.

The Washington Post

But Lexmark executives said that they were slow to react.

The New York Times

Too slow to react, too slow to face the truth.

The Guardian - Books

Mervyn King was slow to react to the downturn.

The Guardian - Business

But the American government has been slow to react.

The New York Times

Partly because the government has been so slow to react.

The Economist

But the government has been slow to react.

The New York Times

Why have global leaders been so slow to react?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's behavior, consider if "slow to react" implies a lack of awareness or a deliberate choice to delay response. Choose alternative phrasing if the implication is unintentional or due to circumstances.

Common error

Avoid attributing malice or incompetence when someone is "slow to react". External factors like incomplete information, conflicting priorities or systemic issues might be the actual cause. Investigate before assuming intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow to react" typically functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a characteristic or tendency of someone or something to respond with delay.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sport

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slow to react" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a delayed or inadequate response. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, primarily in news, sports, and business. While the phrase often carries a negative connotation, it's important to consider the context and avoid attributing negative intent without sufficient evidence. Alternatives like "late to respond" or "delayed in response" can offer more nuanced meanings depending on the situation. When using this phrase, consider if the delay is due to circumstance or deliberate choice to ensure correct and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

late to respond

Focuses on the timing of the response, highlighting its tardiness.

delayed in response

Emphasizes the postponement or deferral of the reaction.

unresponsive

Indicates a lack of reaction altogether, implying a failure to engage.

not quick to respond

Directly contrasts with quickness, emphasizing the slowness of the response.

lethargic in reaction

Highlights the sluggish and apathetic nature of the response.

negligent in responding

Suggests a failure to respond due to carelessness or a lack of attention.

tardy in their reaction

Stresses the lateness and unpunctuality of the response.

laggard in response

Implies falling behind in providing a reaction or answer.

deficient in response

Emphasizes inadequacy or insufficiency in the reaction provided.

remiss in reacting

Highlights a lapse in duty or responsibility regarding the reaction.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is described as "slow to react"?

When someone is described as "slow to react", it means they take longer than expected to respond to a situation, stimulus or event. This can imply a lack of awareness, a delayed processing of information, or a deliberate choice to postpone their reaction.

What are some situations where being "slow to react" could be problematic?

Being "slow to react" can be problematic in emergency situations, competitive environments or when dealing with rapidly changing circumstances. In these scenarios, a "late to respond" can lead to negative consequences or missed opportunities.

What are some alternative ways to say "slow to react"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "late to respond", "delayed in response", or "unresponsive". The best choice will depend on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be described as "slow to react"?

Not necessarily. While it often carries a negative connotation, being "slow to react" can sometimes be a virtue. For example, in complex situations, taking time to carefully consider all options before responding can lead to better outcomes than a hasty reaction. This can be interpreted as being "not quick to respond" but thoughtful.