express reservations about

USAGE SUMMARY

This expression is correct and usable in written English.
It means to have doubts or uncertainties about something, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example: "John expressed reservations about the proposal, asking if other options had been considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

(He did, though, express reservations about suicide attacks on civilians).

The New York Times

Yet some universities still express reservations about this measure.

The Guardian

Some 30% of voters and 22% of Republicans express reservations about his age.

The Economist

Instead, they tend to express reservations about "female supremacy" or "man-hating".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leaders continued to express reservations about being drawn into the conflict in any way.

The New York Times

Marginalising and hounding those who have the audacity to express reservations about the frequently flawed judgment of senior executives?

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

He never expressed reservations about our arrangement.

The New York Times

Some experts have expressed reservations about microbicides.

The New York Times - Health

Like Haley, she expressed reservations about Trump.

The Guardian

However, he expressed reservations about towing.

The New York Times

Some riders, though, have expressed reservations about the plan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express reservations about", be specific about the reasons for your reservations. Providing context strengthens your statement and fosters constructive dialogue.

Common error

Instead of simply saying someone "expressed reservations", clarify what those reservations are. For example, specify whether the reservations are about the cost, timeline, or feasibility of a project.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express reservations about" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of voicing concerns or doubts regarding a specific subject. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used across a wide range of contexts to convey a cautious or questioning stance. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in both formal and informal settings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express reservations about" is a useful and common way to voice doubts or concerns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, especially in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "voice concerns regarding" or "raise doubts about" exist, "express reservations about" offers a balanced tone between politeness and directness. Remember to clarify the specific reasons for your reservations to make your communication more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice concerns regarding

Replaces "reservations" with "concerns" and uses "regarding" for a slightly more formal tone.

raise doubts about

Focuses on the act of questioning or doubting something.

express skepticism toward

Highlights a general attitude of doubt or disbelief.

question the validity of

Directly challenges the truth or accuracy of something.

harbor reservations concerning

Implies a more private or internal feeling of doubt using "harbor" and "concerning" for a formal effect.

show apprehension regarding

Emphasizes worry or anxiety about a situation using "apprehension" and "regarding" for a formal tone.

air misgivings about

Uses "misgivings" to express feelings of doubt or unease.

register disagreement with

Formally indicates a lack of agreement.

express a lack of confidence in

Clearly states a belief that something is not reliable or effective.

have qualms about

Uses "qualms" to suggest moral or ethical concerns.

FAQs

How can I use "express reservations about" in a sentence?

You can use "express reservations about" to indicate doubt or concern regarding something. For example, "The committee members "expressed reservations about" the proposed budget cuts".

What's a more formal way to say "express reservations about"?

A more formal alternative to "express reservations about" is to "voice concerns regarding". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is "express reservation about" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "express reservations about", using the plural form "reservations". The plural form indicates that there may be multiple points of concern.

What's the difference between "express reservations about" and "express concerns about"?

While both phrases indicate unease, "express concerns about" often highlights a more significant worry or potential problem, whereas "express reservations about" may refer to minor doubts or hesitations. They can often be used interchangeably, but consider the degree of worry when choosing.