expressed reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed reservations" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe when someone has hesitations or doubts about a certain idea, plan, or proposal. Example sentence: My boss expressed reservations about my new business proposal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Both reserved judgment on the proposal but expressed reservations.

The New York Times

Others expressed reservations.

The New York Times

But others expressed reservations.

The Guardian

Harvey expressed reservations, Forbes said.

The New York Times - Sports

Business groups, however, expressed reservations.

The New York Times

He never expressed reservations about our arrangement.

The New York Times

But even these business owners expressed reservations.

The New York Times

China and Russia have expressed reservations.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, he expressed reservations about towing.

The New York Times

Even grateful recipients have sometime expressed reservations.

The New York Times

Some experts have expressed reservations about microbicides.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expressed reservations", clearly state the reason for the hesitation to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "expressed reservations" when the sentiment is strong opposition. "Expressed reservations" implies hesitation or doubt, not outright rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed reservations" functions as a verb phrase where "expressed" is the verb indicating the action of communicating and "reservations" is the noun representing the doubts or hesitations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is correct in written English. For example, 'Business groups, however, expressed reservations'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expressed reservations" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate that someone has doubts or hesitations about a particular idea, plan, or proposal. As Ludwig AI states, it's appropriate for use in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, clearly stating the reason for the reservation is essential to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "voiced concerns" or "raised doubts" for nuanced meaning. By using this analysis, you can use "expressed reservations" with confidence and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressed skepticism

Focuses on doubt about the truth or validity of something.

voiced concerns

Focuses on the act of speaking about worries rather than simply having doubts.

raised doubts

Highlights the act of introducing uncertainty or skepticism.

shared apprehensions

Highlights that concerns are not individual, but are in common with others.

showed hesitation

Emphasizes the visible display of reluctance or uncertainty.

registered objections

Implies a more formal or official expression of disapproval.

harbored misgivings

Suggests a feeling of doubt or apprehension that is held privately.

had second thoughts

Focuses on reconsidering or questioning a previous decision.

felt apprehensive

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or unease about something.

remained unconvinced

Highlights the lack of persuasion or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "expressed reservations" in a sentence?

You can use "expressed reservations" to indicate that someone has doubts or hesitations about something. For example, "The committee "expressed reservations" about the proposed budget cuts."

What is a less formal way to say "expressed reservations"?

Informally, you could say someone "had second thoughts" or "wasn't so sure" about something as alternatives to ""expressed reservations"".

What's the difference between "expressed reservations" and "raised concerns"?

"Expressed reservations" implies a degree of hesitation or doubt, while "raised concerns" suggests bringing potential problems or issues to attention. The former is less direct and forceful than the latter.

Is it correct to say "expressed a reservation" instead of "expressed reservations"?

While grammatically correct, "expressed a reservation" is less common. "Expressed reservations" is more frequently used when indicating multiple or general hesitations.