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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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the response was

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the response was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce or summarize a reply or answer to a question or situation. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, the response was overwhelmingly positive from the committee members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The response was silence.

News & Media

The Guardian

The response was underwhelming.

News & Media

The Economist

The response was memorable.

The response was hostile.

News & Media

The New York Times

The response was modest.

The response was tremendous.

The response was enthusiastic.

The response was huge.

News & Media

The New York Times

The response was immediate.

News & Media

The New York Times

The response was supportive.

News & Media

The New York Times

The response was predictable.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the response was", ensure the subject of the response is clear within the context. It should be evident what action or statement elicited the response.

Common error

Avoid using "the response was" in highly informal or casual contexts. It can sound overly formal or detached. Use more colloquial expressions in informal settings for better engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the response was" functions as a sentence opener or connector, introducing information about how a particular action, statement, or event was received. It sets the stage for describing the nature of the reaction. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the response was" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce reactions or answers to various events or statements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, providing a neutral way to present how something was received. While alternatives like "the reaction was" or "the reply was" exist, this phrase remains a standard and effective way to convey information about responses in a clear and concise manner. Remember to use the phrase in appropriate context by clearly establishing the subject of the response.

FAQs

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

Use "the response was" to introduce a reaction or answer to a specific action or question. For example, "After the presentation, "the response was" overwhelmingly positive".

What can I say instead of "the response was"?

You can use alternatives such as "the reaction was", "the reply was", or "it was met with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the response were"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. "Response" is a singular noun, so it requires the singular verb "was". The correct phrase is ""the response was"".

What's the difference between "the response was" and "the reaction was"?

While both phrases are similar, ""the response was"" often implies a more considered or formal answer, whereas "the reaction was" suggests a more immediate or emotional reaction.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: