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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

I'm averse to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's not that I'm averse to properly placed kvetching.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's not that I'm averse to melodrama – far from it.

News & Media

The Guardian - Books

"When the stones are too natural looking, I'm averse to that," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

It feels natural to follow Eduardo — even though I'm averse to this particular deli, which I know to be a busy, cavernous, impersonal establishment with an offhand staff.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Gail: I'm averse to placing odds unless we're talking about the Belmont Stakes, which I do not think is going to be won by I'll Have Another, the horse that won the Preakness and Kentucky Derby.

News & Media

The New York Times

I accepted for the thrill-seeking part; not that I'm averse to birds, but, once again, my brain assumed that it knew what it was getting into before the event.

News & Media

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I am averse to changing the FA Cup," he said.

News & Media

Independent

But I am averse to the AP exams.

News & Media

The New York Times

Anonymous I am averse to paying huge sums.

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

In general, I am averse to the idea of individuals tackling climate change.

Academia

University of California, Berkeley

"I am averse to flying at night if I can avoid it, so I decided to stay until Friday.

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this expression when you want to sound professional yet clear about your boundaries or preferences.

Common error

Avoid using 'adverse' when you mean to express your own feelings. 'Adverse' usually describes harmful conditions or effects (e.g. 'adverse weather'), whereas 'averse' describes a person's feeling of opposition.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm averse to" functions as a subject complement where the adjective 'averse' is linked to the subject via the copula verb 'am'. According to Ludwig, it is almost always followed by a prepositional phrase starting with 'to', identifying the object of the dislike.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

Social Media

Science

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm averse to" is a robust and sophisticated way to signal opposition or dislike. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its status as a high-authority phrase, frequently appearing in prestigious outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian. It is grammatically classified as 'Correct' and is particularly useful in professional contexts where a direct 'I don't like' might seem too blunt. Writers should be careful not to confuse it with 'adverse' and should remember to follow it with a noun or gerund for proper structure.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm loath to

Suggests a stronger, more visceral sense of being unwilling or reluctant

I'm disinclined to

Offers a more formal and slightly softer expression of hesitation

I'm reluctant to

Indicates hesitation without necessarily implying a deep-seated dislike

I'm opposed to

Shifts the focus from personal dislike to an active stance or principle against something

I'm resistant to

Implies an active struggle or a refusal to accept a new idea or change

I'm hesitant to

Focuses on the delay or uncertainty in taking action

I'm not a fan of

A much more informal and colloquial way to express a lack of liking

I'm against

The most direct and simple way to express opposition

I'm unsympathetic to

Suggests a lack of agreement or emotional support for a cause or idea

I'm hostile toward

Indicates an aggressive or very strong negative attitude

FAQs

How do I use "I'm averse to" in a professional email?

You can use it to politely decline a proposal or express hesitation, for example: ""I'm averse to" changing the schedule at this late stage".

What is the difference between being "averse" and something being "adverse"?

Being 'averse' means you personally dislike something, while something "adverse" is simply unfavorable or harmful, like 'adverse reactions' to medication.

Is it better to say "I'm averse to" or "I'm loath to"?

Use "I'm averse to" for general preferences and "I'm loath to" when you want to emphasize a deep-seated reluctance to perform a specific action.

Can I use "I'm disinclined to" as a synonym for "I'm averse to"?

Yes, "I'm disinclined to" is an excellent, slightly more formal synonym that carries a similar meaning of being unwilling.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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I'm averse toGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

I'm averse to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples