strong retort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong retort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a forceful or sharp reply to a comment or criticism. Example: "After being criticized for his decision, he delivered a strong retort that left everyone in the room speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This elicited a strong retort on Nov. 10 from Philip Gordon, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for European Affairs.

The New York Times

That brought a strong retort from Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-N.Y., who accused Republicans of hypocrisy, saying they had cut administration requests for security funding and then made political hay out of the inevitable results.

Independent

But this drew a strong retort from church spokesmen and other faith-minded Greeks; it was the politician who was "trading in relics" by using the saint's arrival to score political points, they insisted.Doubtless there are other members of the Syriza government who share Mr Filis's reservations.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I knew I had to create a moment," Gingrich said of his strong retorts.

Huffington Post

The polite but firm retort.

Huffington Post

And his opponent, Elizabeth Warren, had the strongest possible retort: it doesn't matter.

The New York Times

When one of Mr Lee senior's young inquisitioners suggested that a bit more freedom of expression would make the country stronger, he retorted: "You mean to tell me that what is happening in Thailand and the Philippines is binding the people, building the nation?"Given the PAP's popularity, the opposition has sometimes sought to gain by losing.

The Economist

Not to be outdone, Hillary and the Democrats volleyed back with an equally strong gun-control retort.

Huffington Post

Officials retort that "strong hands" are needed to beat the virus.Guinea, where the outbreak began in December 2013, is now the worst-affected of the three, with a dozen or more new cases a week.

The Economist

His strong words quickly drew retorts from Democrats that the principal reason for the vacancy rate of about 10percentt in the federal judiciary is that Senate Republicans had effectively blocked many nominees put forward by the last Democratic president, Bill Clinton.

The New York Times

My strong-willed daughter's retort is that she will show me just how academically successful she is going to be.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong retort" when you want to emphasize the forceful nature of a reply, especially in response to criticism or opposition. It implies a direct and assertive communication.

Common error

Avoid using "strong retort" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its intensity can sound overly dramatic or aggressive in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "firm reply" or "direct answer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong retort" functions as a noun phrase where "strong" modifies "retort". It signifies a forceful or emphatic response to a statement or action. Ludwig AI examples show it used in contexts of political debates and disagreements, highlighting its use in argumentative situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong retort" describes a forceful and assertive response, most commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but its relatively low frequency suggests using it judiciously. When writing, consider alternatives like "forceful response" or "sharp rejoinder" depending on the desired nuance. Use "strong retort" to emphasize the power and conviction behind a reply, particularly in argumentative situations or when addressing criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forceful response

Emphasizes the power and impact of the response, differing from "retort" which implies a direct reply.

vigorous reply

Highlights the energy and intensity of the reply, shifting focus from the content to the manner of delivery.

sharp rejoinder

Stresses the quick and incisive nature of the response, providing a more formal alternative.

emphatic answer

Focuses on the clarity and decisiveness of the response, losing the confrontational aspect of "retort".

firm response

Highlights the resolute and unwavering nature of the response, differing in tone from the more combative "retort".

powerful comeback

Suggests a response that effectively counters an attack or criticism, adding a sense of triumph.

decisive rebuttal

Indicates a response that effectively refutes an argument or claim, emphasizing its conclusive nature.

spirited reply

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and passion behind the response, adding an emotional dimension.

pointed answer

Focuses on the directness and relevance of the response, suggesting a deliberate and purposeful reply.

stinging comeback

Adds a layer of pain and emotional hurt to the response, which the original phrase does not explicitly include.

FAQs

What does "strong retort" mean?

A "strong retort" is a forceful or sharp reply, typically used in response to a criticism, accusation, or challenge. It implies a confident and often immediate response.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "strong retort"?

The phrase "strong retort" is appropriate when describing a situation where someone gives a powerful and immediate response to something negative said or done to them, or to something they believe is incorrect.

What are some alternatives to "strong retort"?

You can use alternatives like "forceful response", "vigorous reply", or "sharp rejoinder" depending on the context.

Is "strong retort" a formal or informal expression?

"Strong retort" is generally considered a somewhat formal expression, suitable for news articles, professional writing, or situations where a sophisticated tone is appropriate.