have reservations about

USAGE SUMMARY

"have reservations about" is a perfectly valid and widely used phrase in written English.
You would usually use it when referring to the fact that you have doubts or qualms about something - for example, "I have reservations about this new plan; I'm not sure it will be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have reservations about it.

The New York Times

■ I have reservations about online polls.

The New York Times

They like him personally but have reservations about his policies.

The New York Times

But other physicians have reservations about using compounded pharmaceuticals.

The New York Times - Health

Yet I always have reservations about his work.

The New York Times

Some in the industry have reservations about real-life rooms.

The New York Times

Nice people, but I have reservations about what they're doing.

The Guardian - Music

Just 8percentt have reservations about him, the poll shows.

The New York Times

And it's hard not to have reservations about Pearson.

The Guardian - Sport

But they may have reservations about being portrayed as future leaders.

The Economist

Evangelical Christians are far more likely than others to say they have reservations about him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing reservations, be specific about the reasons for your concerns. Instead of saying "I have reservations about this plan", state "I have reservations about this plan because it lacks a clear budget and timeline."

Common error

While the phrase is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "I am concerned about", "I question", or "I doubt" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have reservations about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of doubt or uncertainty. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms its correct grammatical usage and real-world examples showcase its function in expressing concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have reservations about" is a versatile and widely used expression for conveying doubts or concerns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and formal communication. When using the phrase, remember to provide specific reasons for your reservations to add clarity and impact. While acceptable in formal writing, avoid overuse by considering alternatives such as ""have concerns about"" or ""harbor doubts about"" to maintain a varied and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have concerns about

Focuses more directly on specific worries or anxieties related to the subject.

have misgivings about

Implies a stronger sense of doubt or apprehension, often based on intuition.

harbor doubts about

Suggests a persistent and perhaps concealed feeling of uncertainty.

feel uneasy about

Emphasizes a sense of discomfort or anxiety regarding the subject.

am skeptical of

Highlights a questioning attitude and a tendency to disbelieve claims.

question the validity of

Focuses on challenging the factual basis or soundness of something.

express uncertainty regarding

Formally conveys a lack of sureness or confidence about a matter.

view with suspicion

Suggests a distrustful or guarded perspective.

find questionable

Indicates that something seems doubtful or problematic.

take a dim view of

Expresses disapproval or a pessimistic outlook.

FAQs

What does "have reservations about" mean?

To "have reservations about" something means to have doubts or concerns about it. It implies a degree of hesitation or uncertainty regarding a particular plan, idea, or action.

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

You can use "have reservations about" to express your concerns. For example, "I have reservations about the proposed changes to the policy" or "She had reservations about accepting the new job offer".

What are some alternative ways to say "have reservations about"?

You can use alternatives like "have concerns about", "have misgivings about", or "harbor doubts about" to express similar sentiments.

Is it better to say "have reservations about" or "have concerns about"?

Both phrases are valid, but ""have concerns about"" might sound slightly more direct, while "have reservations about" can imply a more nuanced or hesitant form of doubt. The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.