tardy response

USAGE SUMMARY

"tardy response" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a slow or belated response to something, such as in the example sentence, "I was disappointed with the tardy response I received after inquiring about the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"It was initially a tardy response, then an uncoordinated one," Mr. Creel said.

The New York Times

Many parents considered this a tardy response that was a stinging reminder of Xinjian's low standing.

The New York Times

The tardy response was another reminder that consumer advocacy has never been the Fed's strong suit.

The New York Times

The swift response contrasts sharply with the tardy response to major droughts in the region in 2005 and 2010.

The Guardian

It had just dealt with a major earthquake, too, prompting yet more unflattering comparisons with the Bush administration's tardy response to Hurricane Katrina.

The Guardian

She has already submitted an appeal to the government's planning inspectorate to consider it afresh, based on what she said was a tardy response to her scheme.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Most of the complaints stem from what homeowners said were tardy responses from their insurance companies.

The New York Times

The Fiat's tardy responses repeatedly left it victimized in impatient New York traffic.

The New York Times

Mr. Davis has damaged himself with his admittedly tardy responses to the state's energy and budget crises.

The New York Times

And if heavy New York City traffic was your excuse for being tardy, the response from Ms. Brennan was rarely a surprise: "You should have left a cushion of time".

The New York Times

Only now, after a month of gore, have officials from elsewhere in the Arab world gathered in Cairo in an effort to arrange a longer-lasting truce.One reason for the tardy Arab response is simple: compassion fatigue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tardy response" when you want to emphasize that a reaction or answer was not just late, but also perhaps negligently so. It carries a stronger connotation of fault than simply saying "late response".

Common error

Avoid using "tardy" interchangeably with words like "slow" or "late" without considering the specific nuance. "Tardy" implies a degree of negligence or avoidability, which might not be appropriate in all contexts. For example, it is better to say a "late bus" instead of a "tardy bus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tardy response" functions as a noun phrase, where "tardy" modifies the noun "response". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence to describe the nature of a reaction or answer. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tardy response" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a delayed or slow reaction, particularly one that is avoidable or demonstrates negligence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally considered correct and appropriate for use in writing. Its primary function is to criticize or disapprove of a delayed action, carrying a negative connotation of fault. While usable in professional contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media, and slightly less so in scientific writing. When choosing to use this phrase, consider its implications of avoidability and potential fault, and ensure it fits the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delayed reaction

Focuses on the timing of the reaction being late.

slow reaction

Emphasizes the speed of the reaction being slow.

late reply

Specifically refers to a delayed answer or communication.

belated answer

Highlights the answer arriving later than expected.

untimely reaction

Implies the reaction was not only late but also inappropriate for the timing.

overdue acknowledgement

Specifically refers to recognition or acceptance that is late.

protracted delay

Focuses on the extended length of the delay.

lingering inaction

Highlights the state of not acting for an extended period.

grudging reaction

Highlights that the response was given unwillingly and late.

hesitant action

Refers to a delay caused by a lack of confidence or willingness to act.

FAQs

How to use "tardy response" in a sentence?

You can use "tardy response" to describe a delayed or slow reaction to something. For example, "The company's "tardy response" to the crisis damaged its reputation."

What can I say instead of "tardy response"?

You can use alternatives like "delayed reaction", "slow response", or "late reply" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tardy response" or "late response"?

Both "tardy response" and "late response" are grammatically correct, but "tardy" implies negligence or avoidability, whereas "late" simply indicates a delay. Choose the word that best fits the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "tardy response" and "grudging reaction"?

While both phrases suggest a delay, "tardy response" focuses on the timing, whereas "grudging reaction" highlights the unwillingness or reluctance behind the response. A "tardy response" might be due to inefficiency, while a "grudging reaction" is due to resistance or displeasure.