flicker of hesitancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flicker of hesitancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief moment of uncertainty or doubt in someone's demeanor or decision-making process. Example: "As she approached the podium, there was a flicker of hesitancy in her eyes, revealing her nervousness about speaking in front of the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Door to door, knuckle to metal, the rap-rap-rap ringing through the space beyond, not a flicker of hesitancy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"There was a lot of hesitancy," she says.

Independent

The President stood stock still, a look of hesitancy, almost of bewilderment, on his face.

The New York Times

He said his feet and ankle felt fine, and there has been no evidence of hesitancy.

The New York Times - Sports

Hubert made gesture of hesitancy and said he hated to take money.

The New Yorker

He suggested that Mr. Giuliani's step indicated a degree of hesitancy or uncertainty.

The New York Times

I had a lot of hesitancy at first.

Vice

Following his advice – and after a healthy dose of hesitancy – we braved the pit.

Vice

Not a hint of hesitancy or trepidation is to be found in him.

Huffington Post

No flicker of hope.

The New York Times

Cindy McCain gave a flicker of a smirk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "flicker of hesitancy" with descriptive language about body language to amplify the impact on the reader. For example: 'A "flicker of hesitancy" crossed her face as she averted her gaze'.

Common error

Avoid using "flicker of hesitancy" excessively in dialogue tags. Instead of stating someone had a "flicker of hesitancy" when they spoke, show their hesitation through the content and pace of their speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flicker of hesitancy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a brief and subtle moment of uncertainty or reluctance. The example from Ludwig demonstrates its use in describing a character's demeanor.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flicker of hesitancy" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a brief moment of uncertainty or reluctance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. While relatively rare in frequency, it finds its place in neutral and descriptive contexts, particularly within News & Media. When employing the phrase, consider its subtlety and appropriateness for conveying nuanced emotions or internal states. Alternatives such as "hint of reluctance" or "trace of doubt" can provide similar shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting hesitation

Stresses the brief duration of the pause or doubt.

fleeting uncertainty

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the doubt.

brief indecision

Highlights a short period of being unable to decide.

trace of doubt

Focuses on the presence of uncertainty.

momentary wavering

Implies a brief instability or indecision.

shade of uncertainty

Similar to 'trace', but implies a subtle ambiguity.

hint of reluctance

Emphasizes a slight unwillingness or disinclination.

vestige of reservation

Highlights a lingering sense of holding back or caution.

slightest misgiving

Indicates a feeling of doubt or anxiety about the outcome of something.

smallest apprehension

Highlights the worry about something that might happen.

FAQs

How can I show hesitancy in writing without explicitly stating it?

Instead of stating it directly, use phrases like "fleeting hesitation" or describe actions that imply doubt, such as pausing mid-sentence or avoiding eye contact.

What is the difference between "flicker of hesitancy" and "moment of doubt"?

"Flicker of hesitancy" suggests a brief, almost imperceptible pause or uncertainty, whereas "moment of doubt" implies a more pronounced and potentially longer-lasting questioning or disbelief.

Is it appropriate to use "flicker of hesitancy" in formal writing?

While "flicker of hesitancy" is grammatically correct, it may be more suited for descriptive or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider more direct terms like "slight hesitation" or "brief uncertainty".

What are some alternative ways to describe someone showing a "flicker of hesitancy"?

You could describe them as "seeming reluctant", "pausing briefly", or "displaying a momentary wavering" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.