A2noun1K

Response

UK /["/rɪˈspɒns/"]/US /["/rɪˈspɑːns/"]/

Definition

a spoken or written answer

In simple words: An answer or reply

Examples

  • Her response to the question was very thoughtful.
  • Can you please give me a response by tomorrow?
  • The teacher was pleased with the students' response during the discussion.
  • His immediate response was to apologize for the mistake.
  • We need a quick response to the emergency situation.

Usage notes

Use 'response' in both written and spoken contexts. It fits well in formal discussions, presentations, or customer service scenarios, but may feel too formal in casual chats.

Grammar pattern

response + to + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'response' as a 'response + s', like writing a letter: you need to add an 's' for the answer.

Collocations

  • affirmative
  • encouraging
  • enthusiastic
  • give
  • make
  • formulate
  • rate
  • time
  • in response (to)
  • response from
  • response to
  • (a) lack of response
  • affirmative
  • encouraging
  • enthusiastic
  • give
  • make
  • formulate
  • rate
  • time
  • in response (to)
  • response from
  • response to
  • (a) lack of response

Synonyms

  • reply
  • answer
  • reaction
  • feedback
  • return

Antonyms

  • silence
  • non-response
  • inactivity

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'respond' – remember, 'response' is the noun.
  • Using 'response' in place of 'reply' in informal situations.
  • Incorrect preposition usage, often forgetting to say 'response to'.