are averse to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are averse to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong dislike or reluctance towards something. Example: "Many people are averse to change, preferring the comfort of familiar routines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are averse to cheating.

The New York Times - Sports

Other Chinese companies are averse to publicity.

The New York Times

Such stark portrayals are averse to vanity.

The Guardian - Books

Not all men are averse to browsing the racks.

The New Yorker

But lawyers represent people who are averse to other people".

The New York Times - Arts

But most opposition parties, and some members of Mr. Berlusconi's party, are averse to the polls.

The New York Times

Not that he and PAC are averse to the project being publicized.

The New York Times - Arts

As you rightly say, most Europeans are averse to reform because life is good.

The Economist

Or any different than tomboys who are averse to those same clothes?

The New York Times - Magazine

Investors these days are averse to risky emerging-market government debt.

The Economist

Clearly, you, having been burned by Wall Street, are averse to putting money in stocks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are averse to", ensure that the object of aversion is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They are averse", specify "They are averse to taking risks".

Common error

While "are averse to" is generally acceptable, overuse in informal contexts can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "dislike" or "avoid" when communicating casually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are averse to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's feeling of dislike or opposition towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showcasing its role in expressing aversion across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are averse to" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a strong dislike or reluctance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. While perfectly correct, its relative formality means that simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in casual conversation. Remember to clearly define the object of aversion and consider the tone of your writing to ensure effective communication. Alternatives include "reluctant to", "dislike", and "opposed to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwilling to

Directly states a lack of willingness, similar in intensity to "reluctant to".

reluctant to

Highlights hesitation or unwillingness, focusing on the action rather than the object.

dislike

Expresses a general feeling of not liking something, less formal and intense.

hesitant about

Indicates uncertainty or reluctance, often due to concern or doubt.

disinclined toward

Implies a lack of willingness or motivation, more formal than "dislike".

have a distaste for

Suggests a strong dislike, often related to sensory experiences.

opposed to

Indicates active resistance or disagreement, stronger connotation than "are averse to".

shy away from

Implies avoiding something due to fear or apprehension, less direct than "are averse to".

cannot stand

Expresses a strong feeling of not being able to tolerate something, more emphatic.

detest

Indicates intense dislike or hatred, a much stronger emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "are averse to" in a sentence?

You can use "are averse to" to indicate a strong dislike or reluctance towards something. For example, "Many investors "are averse to risk"".

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

You can use alternatives like "reluctant to", "dislike", or "opposed to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are averse to" or "are adverse to"?

"Are averse to" is the correct phrasing when expressing dislike or opposition. "Adverse" means unfavorable or harmful, so "are adverse to" would be used in a different context.

What's the difference between "are averse to" and "unwilling to"?

"Are averse to" implies a general dislike or disinclination, while "unwilling to" suggests a specific refusal or lack of willingness in a particular situation. The level of formality is also a distinguishing aspect.