I was reticent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was reticent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a state of being reserved or reluctant to speak or share thoughts. Example: "During the meeting, I was reticent about my opinions on the new project, preferring to listen to others first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I must admit that when I was initially approached to do the programme last summer I was reticent.

BBC

"Of course it's incredibly difficult to build near Le Corbusier's chapel, that's why I was reticent at first," Piano told the Guardian.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Johnson, who plays an inept and drug-addled ex-con in the film, said, "There was a point where I was reticent about playing the role, because of the dark turns it was taking, and trying to find my clarity".

The New York Times

Cocktails from £16, Carlos Place W1, 020-7499 7070, the-connaught.co.uk I used to enjoy an IPA or G&T in the Langham's yellowed and fraying Chukka Bar, so I was reticent about returning after the lobby was renovated and the bar completely reinvented as the Artesian.

The Guardian - Travel

I was reticent about this product as first.

Forbes

As one of the students stated: "I was reticent to assess myself at first, but now I think it helped me to improve how I worked with my teammates and helped me to learn better" (Student 3), so most of the students do not agree with the idea of self-assessment at first, but they finally understand the benefits of it.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I'm reticent; it's hard enough running a jam back home, never mind in China.

The Guardian - Music

"One of the only reasons I'm reticent about legalising drugs is because there's just so little for ordinary people now.

Independent

I'm reticent to say that the group directly impacted on things, but I definitely saw some people being able to process information better and I wonder if it helped one person return to driving.

The Guardian

"I think the farthest I'm comfortable going right now is saying we understand several people were killed, but I'm reticent to give a whole number right now," said Kirby.

The Guardian

A. I am reticent to throw a stake in the ground and say we are going to get a recovery, but if there is a risk, it is to the upside.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was reticent" when you want to express a formal or thoughtful reluctance to speak or act. It's suitable for describing internal feelings of hesitation based on consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "I was reticent" in very casual situations. Simpler phrases like "I hesitated" or "I held back" might be more appropriate for informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was reticent" functions as a statement of past personal feeling or state. It indicates the speaker's reluctance or hesitation at a particular time, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples that show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was reticent" is a grammatically sound and relatively formal way to express hesitation or reluctance in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for describing internal feelings of caution and reservation. While not overly common, with its frequency classified as Uncommon, it is found in reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post. When choosing to use "I was reticent", consider the context and ensure that a more straightforward expression like "I hesitated" wouldn't be more appropriate for the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hesitated

Simple past tense, directly stating a pause or reluctance in action or speech.

I was hesitant

Uses a different adjective with the same core meaning of reluctance.

I felt reluctant

Emphasizes the feeling of unwillingness.

I was disinclined

Indicates a lack of inclination or desire.

I was unwilling

Highlights a lack of willingness or readiness.

I felt apprehensive

Focuses on anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

I was guarded

Suggests a cautious approach, often due to distrust or uncertainty.

I kept my thoughts to myself

Describes the action of not expressing thoughts, implying reluctance to share.

I held back

Implies a conscious effort to restrain oneself.

I demurred

Indicates a polite refusal or objection.

FAQs

What does "I was reticent" mean?

The phrase "I was reticent" means that the speaker was hesitant, reserved, or unwilling to share their thoughts or take action. It suggests a degree of reluctance or caution.

How can I use "I was reticent" in a sentence?

You can use "I was reticent" to describe a situation where you felt hesitant or unwilling. For example, "I was reticent about sharing my opinion at the meeting because I wasn't sure how it would be received."

Which is more appropriate, "I was reticent" or "I was hesitant"?

Both phrases are appropriate, but "I was reticent" is generally considered more formal than "I was hesitant". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing or speech.

What can I say instead of "I was reticent"?

You can use alternatives like "I hesitated", "I was hesitant", or "I felt reluctant" depending on the context.