have considerable reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have considerable reservations" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone is wary, doubtful, or hesitant about something. For example, "Though I wanted to travel to Europe, I had considerable reservations about the arranged tour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I have considerable reservations," says archaeologist Paul Mellars of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Science Magazine

Chris L. seems like a great guy, too, but I have considerable reservations about Chris and Ali as a couple.

Huffington Post

He has to win over a much larger share of more reliable Republican primary voters, who will have considerable reservations about Mr. Paul's policies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She is no less fascinated by the lives of others, and yet she has considerable reservations about the perils of attempting to commit them to paper.

The New Yorker

It set out to be Lambeth's first use of coordinated metric dimensions, a concept about which she had "considerable reservations", but nonetheless gave "a thorough try".

The Guardian - Arts

Currently BRAC CHWs receive a benefit lower than the reservation wage, but have considerable flexibility in their working conditions, and work is not rigorously monitored.

Health Economics Review

The reservation agent at the front desk of a small hotel may, in fact, have considerable authority, and that can result in a perk on a slow day.

The New York Times - Travel

The states have considerable autonomy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It could have considerable practicality".

Science Magazine

Both answers have considerable plausibility.

SEP

Ms. Quinn has considerable virtues.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have considerable reservations", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the reservations pertain to. Providing specific reasons for the reservations enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "have considerable reservations" when your doubts are minor or insignificant. Choose a weaker phrase like "have some questions" or "have a few concerns" to accurately reflect the level of hesitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have considerable reservations" functions as an idiomatic expression to convey a strong sense of doubt or hesitation regarding a particular subject or proposal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have considerable reservations" is a grammatically sound and idiomatic expression used to convey a strong sense of doubt or hesitation. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase for expressing wariness or disagreement. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across diverse contexts like News & Media and Science, signaling its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure your audience understands the source of your reservations. By carefully choosing synonyms like "harbor significant doubts" or "express grave concerns", you can fine-tune the message to suit your specific purpose and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harbor significant doubts

Emphasizes the holding of doubts, suggesting they might be deeply felt or long-lasting.

possess serious misgivings

Highlights a feeling of unease or apprehension about something.

maintain strong skepticism

Focuses on disbelief or doubt regarding the truth of something.

express grave concerns

Indicates a level of worry or anxiety about a particular matter.

voice substantial apprehension

Highlights the act of articulating feelings of anxiety or fear.

feel uneasy about

Describes a general feeling of discomfort or disquiet.

question the validity of

Implies a challenge to the accuracy or soundness of something.

remain unconvinced of

Indicates a lack of persuasion or belief in something.

beg to differ on

Offers a polite way of expressing disagreement.

find questionable

Suggests that something is of dubious quality or reliability.

FAQs

How can I use "have considerable reservations" in a sentence?

You can use "have considerable reservations" to express strong doubts or hesitations about something. For example, "I "have considerable reservations" about the proposed changes to the policy because they may negatively impact our team's productivity".

What are some alternatives to "have considerable reservations"?

Some alternatives to "have considerable reservations" include "harbor significant doubts", "possess serious misgivings", or "express grave concerns", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "have considerable reservations" or "have some doubts"?

"Have considerable reservations" is generally considered more formal than "have some doubts". The former conveys a stronger and more carefully considered hesitation.

What's the difference between "have reservations" and "have considerable reservations"?

While both phrases indicate doubt, "have considerable reservations" implies a stronger degree of hesitation or doubt than simply "have reservations". The addition of "considerable" emphasizes the significance of the reservations.