What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
respond
Example
I will respond to your email as soon as possible. [respond: verb]
Example
The company responded to the customer's complaint with a sincere apology. [responded: past tense]
Example
She responded to the news of her promotion with excitement and gratitude. [responded: gerund or present participle]
react
Example
He reacted quickly when he saw the car coming towards him. [reacted: past tense]
Example
The child reacted with fear when she saw the spider on the wall. [reacted: past tense]
Example
How did you react when you heard the news? [react: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
React is more commonly used than respond in everyday language. React is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while respond is less common and often used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between respond and react?
Respond is typically associated with a more formal and professional tone, while react is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
