have some reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

"have some reservations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you have some doubts or concerns about taking a particular action. For example: We'd love to purchase the house, but we have some reservations about the neighborhood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Democrats may have some reservations, though.

The Economist

I do, however, have some reservations.

The New York Times

Mr. Lentol did have some reservations, however.

The New York Times

"I did have some reservations about playing myself.

Independent

Now, clearly, I have some reservations about this.

The Guardian - Opinion

That said, I still have some reservations about packages.

The New York Times - Travel

"We have some reservations about the draft resolution," he said.

The New York Times

He said, "I do have some reservations about pacing here".

The New York Times - Arts

While generally pleased, we did have some reservations.

The New York Times - Food

The poll … shows 42percentt of Moore's supporters have some reservations about their candidate.

The Washington Post

I have some reservations about discussing the whole issue of TimesSelect here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have some reservations", clearly state the reason for your hesitation to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have some reservations" when you actually have strong objections. This phrase implies mild hesitation, not firm opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have some reservations" functions as a hedge, indicating a degree of uncertainty or mild objection. It softens a statement, allowing for a more nuanced expression of opinion. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have some reservations" is a versatile phrase used to express mild doubts or hesitations. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While suitable for general communication, remember to use it when your concerns are moderate and not strong objections. When expressing similar but different nuances, consider using alternatives like "harbor some doubts" or "have certain misgivings". By using the phrase appropriately, you can effectively communicate partial agreement while voicing your concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hold some reservations

This is a more formal way of expressing having doubts.

Harbor some doubts

This alternative focuses on the presence of lingering doubts.

Possess some hesitations

This suggests a slightly more formal and considered form of reluctance.

Have certain misgivings

This implies stronger feelings of unease or apprehension.

Feel somewhat apprehensive

This alternative directly describes the feeling of anxiety about something.

Have qualms about

Focuses on moral or ethical concerns.

Am of two minds

Expresses indecision and conflicting feelings.

Am not entirely convinced

Indicates a lack of full agreement or belief.

View with skepticism

Suggests a critical or questioning attitude.

Have mixed feelings

Indicates a combination of positive and negative emotions.

FAQs

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

You can use "have some reservations" to express mild doubts or concerns about something. For example, "I "have some reservations" about the new policy, but I'm willing to give it a try".

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

A more formal way to express "have some reservations" is to say "hold some reservations". This alternative sounds slightly more sophisticated and suitable for professional contexts.

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

The choice between "have some reservations" and "have some concerns" depends on the context. "Have some concerns" is more general, while ""have some reservations"" specifically implies hesitation or doubt about taking a particular action.

What are some similar phrases to "have some reservations"?

Alternatives to ""have some reservations"" include "harbor some doubts", "have certain misgivings", or "feel somewhat apprehensive". These phrases convey varying degrees of hesitation and concern.