are ambivalent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are ambivalent to" is not correct in standard English; the correct expression is "are ambivalent about." You can use it when discussing mixed feelings or uncertainty regarding a particular subject or situation.
Example: "Many people are ambivalent about the new policy changes, unsure of their potential impact."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And Mr. Newman's American travelogues, like "Burn On," "Baltimore" and "Louisiana 1927," are ambivalent to the core, blending unsparing observation with choruses that sound consoling despite themselves.

The New York Times

I think to the average person on the street they are ambivalent to Tor.

BBC

When I asked the artist directly how his show engages with these issues, he replied, "Some people are ambivalent to work's creative aspiration and reduce art to a commodity with financial up-side.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

deadkidsongs is set some time in the 1970s, when exactly is ambivalent, to say the least.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Paladino, a real estate developer, is frank about his somewhat transactional relationship with the party, explaining: "I have always been ambivalent to all that.

The New York Times

They have turned away from the cries for small government and liberty — about which they have always been ambivalent — to rekindle their love affair with theocratic Catholicism.

The New York Times

One that honors privacy, but may be ambivalent to patent rights.

Forbes

Such a declaration also might persuade those nations whose attitudes toward Iran's possession of nuclear weapons have been ambivalent to recognize just how dangerous Iran's current policies are and seek to change them.

Forbes

Germans were ambivalent to the parliamentary republic, which faced strong challenges from right- and left-wing extremists.

Wikipedia

Do you have to be ambivalent to be scared of Pat Robertson's web page that says -- read it please -- that peace in the Middle East is impossible because of the inherent terrorist nature of Muslims?

Huffington Post

He was ambivalent to Donna's reaction to the Doctor leaving Caecilius's family to die: he criticised her acting, comparing her to The Catherine Tate Show character Joannie "Nan" Taylor, but said "top again if that was intentional".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you intend to express a lack of interest, consider using stronger words such as "indifferent" or "unconcerned".

Common error

Avoid using "to" after "ambivalent". The correct preposition to use is "about". Using the wrong preposition can confuse the reader and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are ambivalent to" functions as a linking verb plus adjective phrase intended to describe a state of uncertainty or conflicting feelings. However, it's grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI suggests, the correct form is "are ambivalent about".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are ambivalent to" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "are ambivalent about". Although the phrase appears in a variety of sources, including news media, scientific publications, and Wikipedia, it is considered non-standard English. Ludwig AI highlights this grammatical issue. When expressing mixed feelings or a lack of a strong opinion, it's best to use the grammatically correct "are ambivalent about" or alternative phrases such as "have mixed feelings about" or "are indifferent to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are ambivalent about

Correct grammatical form to express ambivalence.

have mixed feelings about

Directly expresses the conflicting emotions inherent in ambivalence.

are of two minds about

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the divided opinion.

feel uncertain about

Focuses on the lack of clarity and conviction.

are unsure of

Highlights the lack of certainty or confidence.

are indifferent to

Indicates a lack of interest or concern, a stronger degree of neutrality than ambivalence.

are hesitant regarding

Emphasizes the reluctance or pause before committing to an opinion.

are unconcerned about

Similar to indifferent, highlighting a lack of worry or engagement.

lack a strong opinion on

Indicates a general absence of a firm viewpoint.

are neutral towards

Suggests impartiality or a balanced view.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say someone has mixed feelings?

The correct phrasing is to say someone is "ambivalent about" something. For example, "They "are ambivalent about" the decision."

What can I say instead of "are ambivalent to"?

Since "are ambivalent to" is grammatically incorrect, you can use alternatives like "are indifferent to" or "have mixed feelings about".

Is it correct to say "I'm ambivalent to this"?

No, the correct phrasing is "I'm ambivalent about this". The preposition "about" should be used instead of "to".

What's the difference between "are ambivalent to" and "are indifferent to"?

"Are ambivalent to" is grammatically incorrect. If you intend to communicate a lack of concern, you can use "are indifferent to". Ambivalence implies mixed feelings, while indifference implies a lack of interest or concern.