has reservations about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has reservations about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt, concern, or hesitation regarding a particular issue or decision. Example: "She has reservations about the proposed changes to the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Honda has reservations about Mr. Dabrowski's device.

The New York Times

Chrysler has reservations about the agreement in its current form.

The New York Times

United's board has reservations about Mr Glazer's business plans.

The Economist

He explained to me that he has reservations about MOOCs.

The New Yorker

He says he still has reservations about the art form.

Independent

Still, he has reservations about their widespread use.

The New York Times

No wonder he has reservations about being an actor.

The Guardian - Film

Dr. Warren has reservations about the products from compounding pharmacies.

The New York Times - Health

The Environment Agency also has reservations about sandbags.

The Guardian

Hodgkins herself has reservations about approaching 18 year olds.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Raynsford has reservations about some of the buildings approved but claims that Livingstone has exercised his planning powers successfully.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has reservations about" to express a polite disagreement or concern, especially when you want to acknowledge some merit in the opposing viewpoint.

Common error

While "has reservations about" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "is concerned about" or "is hesitant about" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has reservations about" functions as a hedge, expressing a cautious or qualified disagreement. It softens the expression of opposition, suggesting concern or doubt rather than outright rejection. Ludwig examples confirm its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has reservations about" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a cautious or qualified disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used to soften opposition, conveying concern or doubt rather than outright rejection. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its neutral to professional tone makes it suitable for formal communication. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "is skeptical of" or "is hesitant about". By following the usage tips, you can effectively use "has reservations about" to convey nuanced opinions in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is hesitant about

Highlights a reluctance to act or proceed.

is concerned about

Focuses on worry or anxiety related to something.

is unsure about

Indicates a lack of certainty or confidence.

is doubtful about

Highlights uncertainty regarding a particular outcome or situation.

is uneasy about

Implies discomfort or a lack of peace of mind.

is wary of

Suggests caution and distrust.

is skeptical of

Emphasizes doubt about the truth or validity of something.

is leery of

Similar to "wary", implying suspicion and caution.

is apprehensive about

Stresses anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

questions

Directly indicates doubt or inquiry about something.

FAQs

How do I use "has reservations about" in a sentence?

Use "has reservations about" to express that someone is not entirely comfortable or in agreement with something. For example: "The board "has reservations about" the proposed merger."

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

You can use alternatives like "is skeptical of", "is concerned about", or "is hesitant about" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "has reservations about" or "has doubts about"?

"Has reservations about" is generally more polite and suggests a more nuanced concern, while "has doubts about" directly expresses uncertainty. The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

What's the difference between "has reservations about" and "disagrees with"?

"Has reservations about" indicates a degree of uncertainty or concern without necessarily implying complete opposition. "Disagrees with", on the other hand, suggests a direct conflict of opinion or viewpoint. "Has reservations about" implies a less confrontational stance.