a few qualms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few qualms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing minor doubts or concerns about a situation or decision. Example: "Although I agreed to the plan, I still have a few qualms about its potential outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The next day, Dr. Rosenfield said, he had a few qualms.

The New York Times

His death was unsurprisingly violent, widely celebrated (with a few qualms expressed here and there) and also curiously anticlimactic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Critics of the Almeida production had a few qualms, but not about what Susannah Clapp, in the Observer, called the "coruscating" power of the writing.

The New Yorker

The staff newcomer, Tara Jessica Cummingsstilltryingrying to shed the taint of nepotism involved in her hiring, concurs enthusiastically, but the lead producer, Connie Kelly McAndreww), has more than a few qualms.

The New York Times

As a staunch pro-choice advocate, despite my own personal discomfort with abortion, I read your Lives column (July 7) with growing alarm at the heavy-handed efforts of adults on all sides to influence the decisions of a teenager who obviously had more than a few qualms about ending her pregnancy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have had more than a few qualms with my job and the company the past few years, trust me.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Consumers who seem reluctant to spend nineteen dollars for a CD apparently have few qualms about spending a hundred bucks or more to see a show.

The New Yorker

We may be raising a generation with few qualms about commerce, and this could make them less commercially creative.

The New York Times

He dominates proceedings in the air, rarely loses a tackle and has few qualms about putting a body part where others would not put their worst enemy.

The Guardian - Sport

Some senators, like Spencer Abraham, a Michigan Republican who said the proposed merger offered "an exciting marriage," voiced few qualms.

The New York Times

For a city that has felt few qualms about destroying innumerable lovely colonial structures, it is an odd one to preserve.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few qualms" to express minor, rather than significant, reservations about a decision or situation. It's suitable when you want to acknowledge doubt without conveying strong opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "a few qualms" when your reservations are strong or represent a significant ethical dilemma. The phrase implies a minor, easily dismissible concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few qualms" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as an object or complement in a sentence. It expresses the existence of minor reservations or doubts about something. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few qualms" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for conveying minor reservations or doubts, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, its presence in reputable news sources such as The New York Times and The Economist indicates its acceptability in neutral and professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that your intent is to express a slight concern, rather than a strong objection. Alternatives like "some reservations", "minor concerns", or "slight misgivings" can also be used to similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some reservations

Indicates a state of uncertainty or hesitation about something.

slight misgivings

Emphasizes a feeling of anxiety or doubt about the appropriateness of an action or its consequences.

minor concerns

Highlights the presence of issues that cause slight worry or unease.

small doubts

Directly points out the existence of uncertainties.

fleeting hesitations

Highlights brief moments of pausing or delaying due to uncertainty.

lingering anxieties

Focuses on the persistent and somewhat troubling worries.

modest trepidation

Suggests a degree of fear or apprehension about something that might happen.

underlying uncertainties

Points to doubts that exist beneath the surface, not immediately apparent.

residual skepticism

Indicates a remaining doubt as to the truth of something.

passing reservations

Implies temporary and not very strong doubts.

FAQs

How can I use "a few qualms" in a sentence?

You can use "a few qualms" to express minor reservations or doubts about something. For example, "Although I agreed to the plan, I still have "a few qualms" about its potential outcomes."

What's the difference between "a few qualms" and "strong objections"?

"A few qualms" indicates slight doubts or reservations, while "strong objections" signifies significant opposition. Use "a few qualms" when your concerns are minor; use "strong objections" when you fundamentally disagree.

What can I say instead of "a few qualms"?

You can use alternatives like "some reservations", "minor concerns", or "slight misgivings", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a few qualms" in formal writing?

Yes, "a few qualms" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to express minor doubts or reservations without being overly critical or negative. It strikes a balance between acknowledging concerns and maintaining a respectful tone.