Response to Reviewers Examples: Structure and Best Practices
Good examples show the logic of a response rather than provide text to copy blindly. The best response depends on the reviewer's concern, what changed in the manuscript, and the evidence available.
A strong reviewer response usually has three parts: acknowledge the comment, state the action or position taken, and identify the manuscript change. For an accepted suggestion, say what was revised and where. For a clarification request, add the missing detail and point to it. For a disagreement, acknowledge the concern, explain the evidence or methodological reason, and consider adding clarifying text even if the core approach is unchanged.
Example: You Agree With the Reviewer
Reviewer: 'Please clarify the inclusion criteria.' Response pattern: thank the reviewer, state that the criteria were clarified, summarize the added detail, and point to the revised Methods section.
Example: A Statistical Clarification
Reviewer: 'Please justify the selected model.' Response pattern: explain the model choice, identify assumptions or diagnostics checked, describe any sensitivity analysis added, and point to the revised Statistical Analysis section.
Example: You Partly Agree
Acknowledge the valid part of the concern, make the revision that improves clarity, and explain why a broader requested change is not supported by the study design or data.
Example: You Disagree
State the disagreement respectfully, give the evidence or methodological rationale, cite supporting literature if relevant, and add a clarifying sentence or limitation when that helps address the underlying concern.
What Not to Copy
Avoid generic lines such as 'Thank you, corrected' when the change is substantive. The response should tell the reviewer what changed and make verification easy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for structure. The substance still needs to be specific to the reviewer's comment and your actual manuscript revision.
Yes. A professional tone strengthens the argument and keeps the focus on evidence rather than conflict.
Many authors quote a short revised passage when it helps, but the journal's own resubmission instructions should determine the final format.
References
- PMC — A Practical Guide on Responding to Reviews
Peer-reviewed practical guidance on preparing revisions and point-by-point responses.
- ICMJE Recommendations
International recommendations on responsible manuscript preparation, reporting, and editorial practice.