clear hesitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear hesitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a noticeable pause or uncertainty in someone's speech or behavior. Example: "There was a clear hesitation in her voice when she answered the question, indicating she was unsure of her response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

After clear hesitation, I answered: Israel - because I shouldn't fear saying the name of the country where I bought my jewelry.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Therefore, the trend in the overall population was clear towards no hesitation about oral intake.

BMC Cancer

Mr. Barak's hesitation — made clear over the weekend when he declined an early meeting request from Ms. Livni and met first with the Likud leader, Benjamin Netanyahu — may be as much tactical as substantive.

The New York Times

On the other hand, he showed no hesitation in clearing the Warsaw suburbs of Praga and Saska Kępa, through which vital supply lines ran.

Wikipedia

There are several clear steps forward, several hesitations and compromises, and several areas on which he was silent, waiting for the concept of "discernment" (a key term for the Jesuit Bergoglio) to mature within the church.

Huffington Post

Referee Strebre Delovski had a clear view and had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Leonardo's conversion brought on a hushed silence from the 14,285 in attendance.

The Guardian - Sport

Bojan's perfect pass put Mame Biram Diouf clear but Mignolet, after initial hesitation, advanced off his line to make the block.

BBC

Some whale stocks have indeed been re-assessed; but "considering modification" is not on the agenda of most IWC members, and they have no hesitation in making clear that it never will be.

BBC

Joe: Retaliation" and "Transformers 4," it's perhaps clear that this editor's hesitation is not in line with our collective cultural appetite.

Huffington Post

When Ephron finally offers Avraham a price of 400 sheckels for the Maarat Hamachpelah, an exorbitant amount of money according to the tradition, Avraham accepts without hesitation, to make clear that the deal is fair and not contestable.

Huffington Post

Constance Le Grip, a French member of the European Parliament, said that "it is clear that the E.U.'s hesitations have worsened the Greek situation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear hesitation" to describe a pause or reluctance that is easily noticeable and understandable. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the obviousness of someone's uncertainty.

Common error

While "clear hesitation" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "obvious reluctance" or "noticeable pause" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear hesitation" functions as a noun phrase where "clear" modifies the noun "hesitation". This makes it a descriptive phrase, highlighting a readily observable quality of the hesitation. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear hesitation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a readily noticeable pause or reluctance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although it appears more frequently in news and media. While the phrase is considered neutral, writers can enhance their style by occasionally using synonyms like "obvious reluctance" or "noticeable pause" to avoid repetition. Keep in mind its primary function is to emphasize the obviousness of someone's uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious reluctance

Focuses on the reluctance being easily noticeable, similar to "clear hesitation" but emphasizing the feeling.

noticeable pause

Highlights the pause as being easily observed, differing from "clear hesitation" by focusing on the action rather than the internal state.

evident hesitancy

Uses 'evident' to stress the easiness to notice the reluctance, very similar to 'clear hesitation'.

distinct uncertainty

Emphasizes the uncertainty that is apparent, shifting the focus from the hesitation itself to the underlying feeling.

plain reluctance

Replaces 'clear' with 'plain', indicating a straightforward and easily understood reluctance.

unmistakable hesitation

Stresses the impossibility of missing the hesitation, intensifying the clarity.

apparent reservation

Indicates an outwardly visible holding back, which is a more formal way to express a similar concept.

visible disinclination

Highlights the lack of willingness being outwardly expressed, adding a layer of emotional expression.

perceptible wavering

Focuses on the act of indecisiveness that can be sensed or detected, differing by emphasizing the instability.

unconcealed doubt

Emphasizes the lack of hiding of the doubt, changing the focus from the act of hesitating to the expression of doubt.

FAQs

What does "clear hesitation" mean?

"Clear hesitation" refers to a pause or reluctance that is easily noticeable and understood. It indicates a moment of uncertainty or indecision that is apparent to observers.

How can I use "clear hesitation" in a sentence?

You can use "clear hesitation" to describe someone's behavior or reaction, such as "There was a "clear hesitation" in her voice when she answered the question", or "His "clear hesitation" suggested he wasn't entirely convinced."

What are some alternatives to "clear hesitation"?

Alternatives to "clear hesitation" include "obvious reluctance", "noticeable pause", or "distinct uncertainty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clear hesitation" formal or informal?

"Clear hesitation" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal synonyms like "apparent reservation" might be more suitable for academic or professional writing.