be averse to doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be averse to doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong dislike or reluctance towards a specific action or activity. Example: "She seems to be averse to doing any kind of public speaking, which is why she avoids presentations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If we can find a role for the private sector, for the insurance industry, I would not be averse to doing that".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The MetroStars may no longer call Bob Bradley their coach, but that does not mean that Alexi Lalas, who fired Bradley, is averse to doing business with him.

The New York Times

"Back in the beginning I was averse to doing press because I'm not really comfortable with reading about myself," he offers.

The Guardian - Music

Michael Poulos, a director at Oliver Wyman, the consulting firm, said many big investors were burned after investing in financial companies last year and are averse to doing so again.

The New York Times

It is then agreed that desiring and being averse are opposites, and hence that desiring to do something and being averse to doing that same thing are opposites in relation to the same object.

SEP

But it does frequently happen, Socrates points out and Glaucon agrees, that the soul desires to do something and at the same time is averse to doing that same thing.

SEP

By instilling uncertainties like these into the human mind, the humanities make us question ourselves, something we are averse to doing.

Huffington Post

However, House members are averse to doing anything that looks like they approve of the various side-deals that were made in the Senate -- like the so-called "Cornhusker Kickback".

Huffington Post

So welcome pain, observe pain, don't be averse to pain, and don't fear pain.

HuffPost

We're likely to be averse to foods that don't taste the way they look or smell (freshly-brewed coffee is a good example of this), or offer up unfamiliar or strange qualities which we then interpret as a personal dislike.

The Guardian

If you have relied on your parents for a helping hand many times in the past, don't be averse to giving them a helping hand in return now.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be averse to doing", ensure the context aligns with a sense of dislike or reluctance towards a specific action. It's suitable for expressing a considered disinclination, not just a momentary preference.

Common error

Avoid using "be averse to doing" for mild preferences. This phrase indicates a stronger feeling of dislike or reluctance. Use gentler alternatives like "prefer not to" or "not keen on" for weaker preferences.

Linguistic Context

"Be averse to doing" functions as a predicate adjective phrase expressing a subject's dislike or reluctance towards a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show it in various contexts, primarily expressing resistance to certain actions or ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be averse to doing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to articulate a dislike or reluctance towards a specific action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and frequently used in written English. While versatile, it suits a neutral register, commonly appearing in news, media, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the strength of the aversion you wish to convey, opting for milder alternatives like "dislike doing" for weaker preferences. Using Ludwig's examples, we can see that it is a reliable resource for understanding the phrase's applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dislike doing

This alternative is a more straightforward and less formal expression of aversion.

reluctant to do

This alternative implies a hesitation or unwillingness to perform the action.

unwilling to do

This alternative suggests a stronger resistance or refusal to perform the action.

disinclined to do

This alternative uses a more formal tone compared to the original phrase.

not keen on doing

This alternative employs a more informal and colloquial tone.

hesitant to do

This alternative conveys a sense of pausing or delaying due to uncertainty or fear.

resistant to doing

This alternative indicates an active opposition or struggle against performing the action.

loath to do

This alternative expresses a strong feeling of disgust or aversion.

opposed to doing

This alternative signifies a direct contradiction or disagreement with performing the action.

have no desire to do

This alternative emphasizes the absence of any wish or inclination to perform the action.

FAQs

How can I use "be averse to doing" in a sentence?

You can use "be averse to doing" to express a strong dislike or reluctance towards a specific action. For example, "She seems to "be averse to doing" any kind of public speaking, which is why she avoids presentations."

What are some alternatives to "be averse to doing"?

You can use alternatives like "disinclined to do", "reluctant to do", or "unwilling to do" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "averse to do" or "averse to doing"?

"Averse to doing" is the correct grammatical form. The preposition "to" requires a gerund (doing) rather than an infinitive (do).

What is the difference between "averse to" and "adverse to"?

"Averse to" means having a strong dislike or opposition to something, while "adverse to" means unfavorable or harmful. For instance, you might be "averse to" public speaking, while "adverse" conditions can hinder your performance.