feel reluctant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel reluctant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of hesitation or uneasiness about doing something. For example, "She felt reluctant to speak up in front of the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They feel reluctant to be chastised".

The New York Times - Science

With its Parliament dissolved, Finnish political leaders feel reluctant to agree on new guarantees.

The New York Times

Asked if he would feel reluctant to write about it again, he said: "No.

The New York Times

Mr Romney, who seems keen to avoid any discussion of his faith, may feel reluctant to add another tinge of Mormonism to the ticket.

The Economist

He cited Anderson Cooper, who only recently publicly acknowledged being gay, as an example of how gay journalists — even successful white journalists — still feel reluctant to come out.

The New York Times

While some employees may feel reluctant to go, career advisers urge them to show up anyway, and not just for the free food and entertainment.

The New York Times

Talented people with such perspectives can also feel reluctant to speak up for fear of having their portfolio limited to their ethnicity or faith.

The Guardian

"There are a lot of people who do business with Dan, who feel reluctant to express their opinions on this matter," the politician said.

The New York Times

He will feel reluctant to return to A&E, the place that his community mental health team tell him to go to be safe.

The Guardian

That was still in the air certainly, and I did feel reluctant to come to the form because there seemed something a little opportunistic about it.

The Guardian - Books

It is likely that policymakers will feel reluctant to cut rates again, due to the negative impact on banks' margins and their willingness to lend.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel reluctant" to express a mild hesitation or unwillingness. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of unease or lack of enthusiasm without strong opposition.

Common error

While "feel reluctant" is appropriate in many situations, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound weak. In such cases, consider alternatives like "hesitate", "decline", or "oppose" for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel reluctant" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of mind or emotion. It indicates a disinclination or hesitation towards a particular action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel reluctant" is a verb phrase used to express a state of hesitation or unwillingness. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to convey a lack of enthusiasm or a mild opposition. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context and choose stronger alternatives like "hesitate" or "decline" when appropriate. Remember, as the examples in Ludwig show, "feel reluctant" is a nuanced way to express reservation without outright refusal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel hesitant

Expresses a similar sense of pausing or hesitating before taking action, but with a stronger emphasis on the pause itself.

feel disinclined

Indicates a lack of willingness or motivation to do something, emphasizing a negative inclination.

feel unwilling

Directly states a lack of willingness, making it a more assertive expression of reluctance.

feel averse to

Implies a stronger sense of dislike or opposition, suggesting a more negative reaction.

feel loath to

Conveys a strong feeling of disgust or unwillingness, often used for actions considered unpleasant.

feel uneager

Highlights the absence of enthusiasm or eagerness, suggesting a passive form of reluctance.

feel resistant to

Suggests active opposition or a force preventing someone from doing something, indicating a stronger reluctance.

have reservations about

Indicates doubts or concerns, suggesting a more thoughtful and considered reluctance.

be of two minds about

Expresses uncertainty or indecision, highlighting the internal conflict causing reluctance.

shrink from

Implies a physical or emotional withdrawal, suggesting a reluctance based on fear or aversion.

FAQs

How can I use "feel reluctant" in a sentence?

You can use "feel reluctant" to express hesitation or unwillingness to do something. For example, "I "feel reluctant" to ask for help, but I need it" or "She "felt reluctant" to share her opinion at the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "feel reluctant"?

Alternatives to "feel reluctant" include "feel hesitant", "feel disinclined", or "feel unwilling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am reluctant to do" or "I feel reluctant to do"?

Both "I am reluctant to do" and "I "feel reluctant" to do" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the feeling or the state of reluctance.

What's the difference between "feel reluctant" and "hesitate"?

"Feel reluctant" indicates an emotional unwillingness, whereas "hesitate" focuses more on the action of pausing or delaying. You might "feel reluctant" due to fear, while you hesitate due to uncertainty.