harbor reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harbor reservations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an unwillingness to change one's opinion, or a feeling of distrust or hesitation about something. For example, "although he had been told the bridge was safe, he still harbored reservations about crossing it".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Executive search firms also harbor reservations.

The New York Times

Moreover, it isn't just evangelicals who harbor reservations.

The New York Times

Privately, he may harbor reservations about a particular business line, such as subprime securitization.

The New Yorker

While Ms. White's nomination is expected to receive Senate approval, some Democrats harbor reservations.

The New York Times

They still harbor reservations, however, and have threatened to withdraw from New Start if they perceive a danger to Russia.

The New York Times

Today's finest may still harbor reservations about women on the force, but if so, they have been sensitivity-trained to hide it better.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

General Dempsey, it turns out, was not the only senior official harboring reservations.

The New York Times

Not only will he will turn 40 this summer, but for several years now he has been harboring reservations about the direction his career has taken.

The New York Times - Arts

I said, 'No way.' " Even as early as 1994, when Mr. Romney challenged Edward M. Kennedy for a Senate seat, there were some Log Cabin members who harbored reservations about him.

The New York Times

In his answer at a forum on Tuesday night, Mr. Lhota, a former chairman of New York's public transit agency, said he had long harbored reservations about the quality of the police officers for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who are responsible for securing the region's three major airports.

The New York Times

But proponents of the rule on garbage disposal harbor few reservations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harbor reservations", clearly specify the object or situation about which the reservations are held to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "harbor reservations" when a stronger term like "opposition" or "disagreement" is more accurate; "harbor reservations" implies a quieter, less forceful dissent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harbor reservations" functions as a verb phrase where "harbor" acts as a transitive verb taking "reservations" as its object. Ludwig indicates that it's used to describe the act of privately holding doubts or hesitations about something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "harbor reservations" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating the holding of doubts or hesitations. Ludwig AI suggests its use is appropriate for describing unspoken or privately held misgivings. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears predominantly in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. Alternatives such as "have misgivings" or "hold doubts" offer similar meanings, and it's crucial to use the phrase accurately to convey the intended nuance of quiet dissent. Remember to state the object of the reservations clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold reservations

Uses 'hold' instead of 'harbor', slightly different wording but same essence.

have misgivings

Focuses on feelings of doubt or apprehension.

hold doubts

Directly indicates the presence of uncertainty.

express concerns

Highlights the act of voicing worries or reservations.

maintain skepticism

Emphasizes a questioning attitude.

feel apprehensive

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or unease.

have second thoughts

Indicates a reconsideration and potential change of mind.

remain unconvinced

Stresses a lack of persuasion or belief.

possess qualms

Emphasizes moral or ethical hesitations.

nurture doubts

Suggests a more intentional or prolonged harboring of uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "harbor reservations" to indicate that someone has doubts or hesitations about something. For example, "Despite the evidence, some still "harbor reservations" about the vaccine's long-term effects."

What are some alternatives to "harbor reservations"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have misgivings", "hold doubts", or "express concerns", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to "harbor reservations" or "have reservations"?

Both "harbor reservations" and "have reservations" are acceptable, but "have reservations" might be slightly more common in everyday conversation. However, "harbor reservations" can add a subtle nuance of deeply held or persistent doubts.

What's the difference between "harbor reservations" and "express reservations"?

"Harbor reservations" implies holding doubts internally, while "express reservations" suggests that those doubts are being voiced or made known to others. So, the key difference is whether the reservations are kept private or shared.