had reservations about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had reservations about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt, uncertainty, or concerns regarding a particular situation or decision. Example: "She had reservations about accepting the job offer due to the long commute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Initially, he had reservations about the cover.

The New Yorker

He had reservations about Brown.

The Guardian

But she had reservations about the move.

The Guardian - Books

She had reservations about going on safari.

The New York Times

We both had reservations about marriage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their leaders all had reservations about Mr Juncker.

Independent

I've had reservations about New Urbanist theory in the past.

The New York Times - Arts

But Patterson has had reservations about Perry before.

The New York Times - Books

But, Dr. Hunter said, he had reservations about wholesale fencing.

The New York Times - Science

Deutch had reservations about the spies' new vision.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gaunt had reservations about the level of the threat.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had reservations about", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is hesitant or doubtful about. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

While "had reservations about" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "was hesitant about" or "had concerns about" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had reservations about" functions as a verb phrase that expresses a state of doubt, hesitation, or concern regarding a particular subject, action, or decision. Ludwig AI's examples show its use in various contexts to indicate uncertainty or apprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had reservations about" is a widely used phrase to express doubt, hesitation, or concern. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While highly versatile, it's important to use synonyms to avoid repetition. The phrase effectively conveys a lack of complete agreement or confidence, prompting further consideration. Remember to clearly specify the subject of the reservations to ensure clarity. The related phrases like "had misgivings about", "had concerns about", or "was hesitant about" can provide alternative ways to express similar sentiments, and the advice in the FAQ section is valuable to understand further nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had misgivings about

Expresses a stronger sense of doubt or apprehension.

had concerns about

Focuses on worry or unease regarding a particular issue.

had hesitations about

Highlights a pause or reluctance before proceeding.

felt uneasy about

Emphasizes a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

was doubtful about

Indicates a lack of conviction or certainty.

was skeptical of

Suggests a questioning or disbelieving attitude.

felt apprehensive about

Implies anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

questioned the validity of

Raises doubts about the truth or accuracy of something.

expressed doubts regarding

Formally conveys uncertainty about something.

felt conflicted about

Signifies internal disagreement or struggle regarding something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "had reservations about" is used to express doubts or hesitations regarding something. For example: "She "had reservations about" accepting the job offer because of the long hours."

What can I say instead of "had reservations about"?

You can use alternatives like "had misgivings about", "had concerns about", or "was hesitant about depending on the context.

Which is correct, "had reservations about" or "had concerns for"?

"Had reservations about" is used to express doubts. "Had concerns for" suggests you are worried about someone's well-being, which is a different meaning.

What's the difference between "had reservations about" and "had doubts about"?

While both phrases express uncertainty, ""had reservations about"" implies a more specific hesitation or concern, while "had doubts about" suggests a more general lack of conviction.