the initial response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the initial response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first reply or answer given in a conversation or situation. Example: "After reviewing the initial response, we decided to make some changes to our proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What was the initial response?

The New Yorker

The initial response was laudatory.

The New Yorker

The initial response was enthusiastic.

The Guardian

The initial response was far from promising.

The New York Times

The initial response from Palin's office was somewhat encouraging.

The Guardian

The initial response from the markets was not encouraging.

The New York Times

However, the initial response in Russia was not encouraging.

The Guardian - Sport

The initial response to Desperate Housewives erred on the critical.

The Guardian - Tech

"It was armageddon," is how he characterises the initial response.

The Guardian

The initial response to the Plan was favorable.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The [initial] response from Wall Street was painful.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the initial response" to set the stage for how a situation or plan evolved over time.

Common error

Avoid using "the initial response" when you actually mean the final or ultimate outcome. Ensure you're referring to the very first reaction, not a later development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the initial response" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the initial response" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, serving to describe the first reaction to an event or proposal. Alternatives such as "the first reaction" or "the early feedback" can be used depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly identify who or what is providing the response and what the response is directed towards for maximum clarity. Avoid confusing the initial response with later developments or final outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial reaction

It is a variation of the original query, just uses the noun reaction instead of response.

the first reaction

Replaces 'response' with 'reaction', emphasizing the emotional or instinctive aspect.

the immediate reaction

Emphasizes the speed or spontaneity of the response.

the early feedback

Substitutes 'response' with 'feedback', highlighting the information received at the beginning.

the primary response

Stresses the importance or priority of the reaction.

the preliminary answer

Replaces 'response' with 'answer' and 'initial' with 'preliminary', focusing on a first, possibly incomplete, reply.

the original answer

Focuses on the originality or the first nature of the answer

the opening reply

Uses 'reply' instead of 'response', suggesting a more direct and personal communication.

the onset response

Uses a more technical term onset to convey the idea of an inception.

the starting point

This phrase shifts the focus to the commencement of a process or discussion, rather than a direct reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "the initial response" in a sentence?

You can use "the initial response" to describe the first reaction to a proposal, event, or statement. For example: "The initial response to the new policy was largely negative."

What are some alternatives to saying "the initial response"?

Alternatives include "the first reaction", "the early feedback", or "the preliminary answer", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the initial reaction" or "the initial response"?

Both "the initial reaction" and "the initial response" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Reaction" often implies a more emotional or instinctive response, while "response" can be more general.

When should I use "initial" versus "preliminary" to describe a response?

"Initial" refers to the very first response, while "preliminary" suggests an early, possibly incomplete or subject-to-change, response. Using "the preliminary answer" is appropriate when the response is not yet fully developed.