displaying reluctance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "displaying reluctance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone showing hesitation or unwillingness to do something. Example: "She was displaying reluctance to accept the job offer, unsure if it was the right fit for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He initially displayed reluctance to fill the role due to his loyalty to former coach Moores - the man who engaged him as his assistant two years earlier - but has since established himself as one of the most highly-regarded coaches in world cricket.

Independent

MARY BLY Dogs display reluctance and wrath If you try to give them a bath.

Forbes

After Franco's repeatedly displayed reluctance to talk, the abandonment of this topical line becomes an available option.

Disability and Rehabilitation

Extract 4 illustrates one way of dealing with this practical problem: pursuing the topic across the client's repeatedly displayed reluctance.

Disability and Rehabilitation

Previous CA research shows that psychiatrists can display reluctance to engage in discussions regarding psychotic patients' concerns regarding their own symptoms [ 28].

Disability and Rehabilitation

After displaying a reluctance to negotiate for months, General Manager STEVE PHILLIPS took the first step to signing JOHN FRANCO to a contract extension by broaching discussions earlier this week.

The New York Times - Sports

But as Bush remembrances dominated cable news Monday, and the former president's casket made its way from Texas to the Capitol, where he would lie in state, Trump let off a slew of angry tweets about the special counsel investigation that has engulfed his presidency, displaying his reluctance to put his own grievances on hold amid the mourning.

Los Angeles Times

In his analysis of topic proffering sequences, Schegloff [ 15] observes that when a speaker proffers a topic and the recipient displays reluctance to take up and develop the proffered topic, the first speaker can issue a "second try" (p. 173 175).

Disability and Rehabilitation

This might account for why the staff members confine themselves to treating medication-related problems as behavioral management problems and display reluctance to engage in other types of medication-related talk (such as talk about side effects).

Disability and Rehabilitation

If the seller displayed any reluctance, Ramadas would take his hand, look him in the eye, and tell him, "I know what I'm doing.

The New Yorker

During an hourlong interview on Thursday in his office in Rome, Mr. Draghi, sitting beneath a tapestry depicting Alexander the Great, displayed a reluctance to ruffle political feathers and a highly institutional approach toward public office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "displaying reluctance" to describe a visible or noticeable hesitation. It's stronger than simply 'feeling reluctant' because it implies an outward manifestation of that feeling.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "displaying reluctance" can sound somewhat formal. In less formal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "seeming hesitant" or "showing hesitation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "displaying reluctance" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. It describes the action of showing hesitation or unwillingness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "displaying reluctance" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe the act of showing hesitation or unwillingness. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered suitable for written English. While the phrase is somewhat formal, it is frequently encountered in news, scientific publications, and professional contexts. For less formal communication consider alternatives such as "showing hesitancy" or "seeming hesitant". The phrase's communicative power lies in its ability to convey outwardly visible hesitation, differentiating it from simply 'feeling reluctant'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showing hesitancy

Focuses on the act of showing a hesitant attitude.

exhibiting unwillingness

Highlights the act of demonstrating a lack of willingness.

expressing disinclination

Emphasizes the communication of not being inclined to do something.

revealing aversion

Focuses on uncovering a strong dislike or opposition.

manifesting opposition

Highlights the act of showing resistance or disagreement.

demonstrating resistance

Focuses on the act of showing opposition to something.

betraying hesitancy

Implies an unintentional revealing of hesitation.

reflecting wariness

Focuses on showing caution or a lack of trust.

suggesting reservation

Indicates the expression of doubt or conditions.

hinting at unease

Emphasizes a subtle indication of discomfort or anxiety.

FAQs

How to use "displaying reluctance" in a sentence?

You can use "displaying reluctance" to describe someone showing hesitation or unwillingness to do something. For example: "She was "displaying reluctance" to accept the job offer, unsure if it was the right fit for her".

What can I say instead of "displaying reluctance"?

You can use alternatives like "showing hesitancy", "exhibiting unwillingness", or "expressing disinclination" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "displaying reluctance" or "showing reluctance"?

Both "displaying reluctance" and "showing reluctance" are correct, but "displaying reluctance" is more formal and implies a more visible manifestation of hesitation. "Showing reluctance" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "displaying reluctance" and "feeling reluctant"?

"Displaying reluctance" refers to outwardly showing hesitation or unwillingness, whereas "feeling reluctant" refers to an internal feeling of unwillingness that may not be outwardly expressed.