have reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have reservations" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually means to express hesitancy or doubt about something. For example, you can say: "I have reservations about taking this job, as it doesn't align with my long-term career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But some have reservations.

The New York Times

"We didn't have reservations.

The New York Times

Companies, too, have reservations.

The Washington Post

But I have reservations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, I have reservations.

Harvard Business Review

Others, however, have reservations.

The Guardian - Film

He did have reservations.

The Guardian

Some analysts have reservations.

The New York Times

"I have reservations.

The Guardian

But some Inupiat have reservations.

The New York Times

I have reservations about it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have reservations", clearly state the reason for your hesitation to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "I have reservations about this plan because of the potential risks involved."

Common error

Avoid using "have reservations" when you strongly disapprove or completely disagree. This phrase implies a mild hesitation or doubt, not outright rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have reservations" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express doubts, hesitations, or concerns about something. Ludwig shows various examples where individuals or groups "have reservations" regarding plans, decisions, or proposals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have reservations" is a verb phrase used to express doubts, hesitations, or concerns. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, as validated by Ludwig. The phrase is suitable for neutral to professional settings. When using "have reservations", clearly articulate the reasons for your hesitation. While a very common phrase, Ludwig AI confirms that "have reservations" should be used when expressing mild hesitation rather than strong disapproval. Common alternatives include "harbor doubts", "express concerns", and "have misgivings".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold reservations

A very similar phrase to "have reservations", with 'hold' replacing 'have' as the verb.

have second thoughts

Suggests a reconsideration of a decision or action, implying doubt or regret.

have misgivings

Uses a more formal term, "misgivings", to indicate a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

harbor doubts

Replaces "have reservations" with a more figurative expression, emphasizing the presence of underlying doubts.

am hesitant about

Emphasizes the reluctance or unwillingness to do something due to uncertainty or doubt.

express concerns

Focuses on the act of voicing worries or anxieties, rather than just possessing them.

view with skepticism

Highlights a skeptical or doubtful perspective towards something.

feel apprehensive

Shifts the focus to the emotional state of feeling anxious or uneasy about something.

remain unconvinced

Indicates a lack of persuasion or belief in something, suggesting skepticism.

question the wisdom of

Specifically targets the judgment or rationale behind a decision or action, expressing doubt about its prudence.

FAQs

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

You can use "have reservations" to express doubts or hesitations about something. For example, "I "have reservations" about the new policy because it might negatively affect employee morale."

What's a more formal way to say "have reservations"?

A more formal alternative to "have reservations" is to say "harbor misgivings" or "express concerns". These options are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is it correct to say "have a reservation" instead of "have reservations"?

The phrase "have a reservation" refers to booking a place or service in advance, like at a restaurant. It is different from ""have reservations"", which means to have doubts or hesitations.

What's the difference between "have reservations" and "remain unconvinced"?

"Have reservations" suggests a degree of uncertainty or hesitation, while "remain unconvinced" indicates a stronger state of disbelief or lack of persuasion.