tardy responses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tardy responses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe replies or answers that are delayed or late in coming. Example: "We appreciate your feedback, but we must address the issue of tardy responses in our communication process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

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

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

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

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

Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said this left "police chiefs in an invidious position because of the Government's grudging and tardy response to the European Court of Human Rights.

The Guardian

Several lawmakers have criticized the administration for what they describe as a tardy response to the listeria outbreak, first detected this summer, and for not adopting new safety standards beforehand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the speed or timeliness of communications, consider whether "tardy responses" accurately conveys the nuance you intend. While grammatically sound, alternatives like "late responses" or "delayed replies" might be more readily understood by a broader audience.

Common error

Avoid overusing "tardy" in formal writing. While it's a valid word, relying on it too frequently can make your writing sound stilted. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "late", "delayed", or "slow" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tardy responses" functions as a noun phrase where "tardy" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "responses". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing delayed answers or reactions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tardy responses" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe delayed or late answers. While recognized as usable by Ludwig AI, its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to highlight delays. When using "tardy responses", consider whether a more common synonym like "late responses" or "delayed replies" might improve clarity. Avoid overusing the word "tardy" to prevent your writing from sounding unnecessarily formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

late responses

Replaces "tardy" with a more common synonym, "late", maintaining the core meaning of delayed responses.

delayed replies

Substitutes both words with synonyms: "delayed" for "tardy" and "replies" for "responses", focusing on the act of replying.

sluggish responses

Changes "tardy" to "sluggish", emphasizing the slow or inactive nature of the responses.

slow responses

Replaces "tardy" with "slow", offering a simpler and more direct way to describe the speed of the responses.

untimely responses

Uses "untimely" to suggest the responses were not just late, but also occurred at an inappropriate time.

lagging responses

Emphasizes the responses falling behind or trailing in time.

protracted responses

Indicates the responses were unnecessarily prolonged or extended.

lengthy responses

Focuses on the duration it took to formulate and deliver the responses, rather than just the lateness.

tardy reply

Singular form focusing on a single instance of a late response.

tardy reaction

Shifts focus from a direct answer to a broader reaction to an event or situation.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "tardy responses"?

Alternatives include "late responses", "delayed replies", or "slow responses", depending on the context.

How can I use "tardy responses" in a sentence?

You might say, "The project suffered due to the team's tardy responses to critical feedback." Or, "The company's reputation was damaged by its tardy responses to customer complaints."

Is "tardy responses" formal or informal?

While "tardy" is a valid word, it leans towards formal usage. In more casual contexts, simpler terms like "late" or "slow" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "tardy responses" and ""slow responses""?

"Tardy responses" implies a sense of lateness or delay, while ""slow responses"" emphasizes the pace or speed of the answers. "Tardy" focuses on the timing, while "slow" focuses on the process.