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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I'm reluctant

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm reluctant, genuinely.

News & Media

Independent

"I'm reluctant," he admitted.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I'm reluctant to change it".

News & Media

The New York Times

I'm reluctant to see the storm finish.

News & Media

The New York Times

Nevertheless, I'm reluctant to agree with Jess.

So I'm reluctant to talk to reporters about this stuff".

News & Media

The New Yorker

I'm reluctant to be more specific about Thomas's itinerary.

News & Media

The New York Times

Still, I'm reluctant to dismiss my not-so-private hedge.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I'm reluctant to say there's anything in me that's special.

News & Media

The Guardian

No. Perhaps I'm reluctant to examine myself that closely.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But I was reluctant.

News & Media

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'm reluctant" to express hesitation or unwillingness, softening a potential refusal or disagreement. This phrasing is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, relying too heavily on "I'm reluctant" in highly formal or professional settings might sound less direct. Consider stronger, more assertive alternatives if the situation warrants a clear statement of disagreement or refusal.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I'm reluctant" is to act as a subject complement, where "I'm" is the subject and "reluctant" is the adjective describing the subject's state. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is widely used to express hesitation or unwillingness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm reluctant" is a common and versatile phrase used to express hesitation or unwillingness. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows that it's widely used in news and media, serving to soften statements or express reservations. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and choose more direct alternatives for situations requiring a stronger stance. Related phrases like "I'm hesitant" or "I'm unwilling" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for more precise communication.

FAQs

What does "I'm reluctant" mean?

It means you are hesitant or unwilling to do something. It conveys a sense of reservation or lack of enthusiasm.

How can I use "I'm reluctant" in a sentence?

You can use it to express your hesitation about a particular action or decision. For example, "I'm reluctant to share my opinion on that matter."

What are some synonyms for "I'm reluctant"?

Alternatives include "I'm hesitant", "I'm unwilling", or "I'm disinclined", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "I'm reluctant" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, "I'm disinclined" might be more appropriate.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: