grave reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave reservations" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express serious doubts or concerns about a situation or decision. Example: "The committee expressed grave reservations about the proposed budget cuts, fearing they would negatively impact essential services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You accept it, but with very, very grave reservations.

The Guardian

We retain grave reservations about the proposed legislation on exemplary damages.

The Guardian

The authors [of Forensic Pathology] have grave reservations as to the existence of SBS.

The Washington Post

Cruz made it clear over the weekend that he had grave reservations.

The Washington Post

The third challenge is to win over traditional allies who have expressed grave reservations.

The New York Times

Last week top American military leaders expressed grave reservations about such a deployment.

The New York Times

The Finnish Parliament had grave reservations — it is already contemplating writing off some of its direct loans to Greece.

The New York Times

I used to have grave reservations about working at white institutions, subject to the whims of white superiors.

The New York Times

They came home with grave reservations; nonetheless, Bunge and her colleagues decided they needed to know more.

MIT Technology Review

The draft resolution has been adjusted several times after some Council members expressed grave reservations about the measure.

The New York Times

"I have always had grave reservations about amending the Constitution," said Representative Jerry Lewis, Republican of California.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grave reservations", follow it with a clear explanation of the reasons for your concern to ensure your audience understands the seriousness of your position.

Common error

Avoid using "grave reservations" in casual conversations. This phrase is more appropriate for formal settings or written communication where a serious tone is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave reservations" functions as a noun phrase, where "grave" modifies "reservations", emphasizing the seriousness of the doubts or concerns held. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave reservations" is a commonly used phrase to express serious doubts or concerns. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Analysis of usage patterns indicates it is most frequently found in news and media sources, with its function being to convey strong disagreement formally. While versatile, remember to consider its formal tone, and choose alternatives like "serious doubts" or "deep misgivings" for less formal settings. When employing this phrase, clearly articulate the reasons behind your reservations for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable reservations

Emphasizes the extent of the doubts.

serious doubts

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of conviction.

deep misgivings

Emphasizes a feeling of unease or apprehension.

strong concerns

Highlights the worries and anxieties involved.

profound skepticism

Underlines a questioning attitude and disbelief.

significant hesitations

Highlights the reluctance and pause.

major qualms

Indicates significant hesitations or objections.

substantial apprehensions

Stresses the fears and anxieties associated.

marked anxieties

Focuses on the noticeable level of worry.

extreme wariness

Emphasizes caution and lack of trust.

FAQs

What does "grave reservations" mean?

"Grave reservations" signifies serious doubts or concerns about something.

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

You might say, "The committee expressed "grave reservations" about the proposed changes."

What are some alternatives to "grave reservations"?

Alternatives include "serious doubts", "deep misgivings", or "strong concerns", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grave reservations" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "grave reservations" is generally more suited for formal or professional contexts due to its serious tone. In casual settings, consider using alternatives like "I'm not so sure" or "I have some concerns".