in response to + event
Reacting to something
This fixed phrase introduces the cause of a reaction.
in response to criticism
Response with prepositions
In response to is the standard expression for reacting to something.
Quick answer
Is it in response or of response?
Use in response to when describing a reaction. Of response is not a normal standalone phrase, though response of someone is possible in larger noun structures.
in response to complaints
in response to the email
the response of the audience was positive
a rapid response to danger
in response to the email
the response of the audience was positive
a rapid response to danger
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
response to + thing
Describing a reaction
Use response to for the thing answered or reacted to.
response to treatment
response of + person/group
Who reacted?
Of identifies the person or group giving the response.
the response of voters surprised analysts
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
in response to
The company changed policy in response to feedback.
as a reaction to something
of response
Of response is not idiomatic alone.
nonstandard standalone phrase
response to
Her response to the question was brief.
reply or reaction
response of
The response of the team was immediate.
who gave the response
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using of response alone
English normally uses in response to or response to.
✕ of response ✓ in response to the requestForgetting to
In response is usually followed by to plus the cause.
✕ in response complaints ✓ in response to complaintsConfusing response of and response to
Of identifies the responder; to identifies the stimulus.
✕ response of the crisis ✓ response to the crisisUsing in response for direct replies
A direct reply often uses response to.
✕ my in response your letter ✓ my response to your letterQuick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The law changed ___ response to public pressure.
2. Her response ___ the invitation was polite.
3. The response ___ customers was encouraging.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the standard phrase?
In response to is the standard expression for reacting to something.
Is of response correct?
Not as a standalone phrase in modern English.
Can response take of?
Yes, in phrases like the response of the committee.
Related preposition guides
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