having reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having reservations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt, uncertainty, or hesitation about a situation or decision. Example: "I am having reservations about accepting the job offer due to the long commute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Others spoke of having reservations.

The New York Times

Still, Ms. Rosen was having reservations.

The New York Times

The upstanding gentleman is by now having reservations.

The New York Times

But championing freedom should mean more than just having reservations about high taxes and big government.

The Economist

He mentioned having reservations to fly to New York for today's Hall of Fame news conference.

The New York Times - Sports

Before striking a competitive ball, the teenager admitted to having reservations about playing here.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I also had reservations.

The New Yorker

But she had reservations.

The New York Times

But some have reservations.

The New York Times

Mrs. Beylerian has reservations.

The New York Times

Ms. Buchsbaum had reservations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having reservations" to express a mild form of disagreement or concern, especially when you want to be polite or diplomatic.

Common error

Avoid using "having reservations" in legal documents or contracts. Opt for more precise and formal language, such as "raising objections" or "expressing concerns", to clearly define specific issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having reservations" functions as a means of expressing doubt, hesitation, or concern about a particular situation, decision, or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its usage, with numerous examples demonstrating its role in conveying uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Opinion

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "having reservations" is a common and grammatically correct way to express doubts or concerns, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in sports, academia, and opinion pieces. While generally appropriate for neutral registers, more formal or precise language may be necessary in specific situations. Alternatives like "feeling uncertain" or "expressing doubts" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI provides ample examples to guide its proper usage, making it a valuable tool for writers seeking clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having misgivings

Indicates a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

feeling uncertain

Highlights the lack of certainty.

experiencing hesitation

Focuses on the act of hesitating.

showing hesitation

Highlights the visible expression of uncertainty.

expressing doubts

Focuses on the verbalization of uncertainty.

displaying reluctance

Emphasizes a lack of willingness.

harboring doubts

Emphasizes the internal nature of the reservations.

feeling apprehensive

Highlights a sense of anxiety or unease.

being skeptical

Focuses on a general attitude of doubt or disbelief.

questioning the wisdom

Specifically doubts the intelligence or prudence of a decision or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "having reservations" to express doubts or concerns about something. For example, "I am "having reservations" about accepting this job offer because of the long hours".

What are some alternatives to "having reservations"?

Alternatives include "feeling uncertain", "harboring doubts", or "expressing doubts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "having reservations" in formal writing?

Yes, "having reservations" can be used in formal writing, but consider more precise alternatives like "raising concerns" or "expressing objections" for legal or contractual contexts.

What's the difference between "having reservations" and "raising objections"?

"Having reservations" suggests a general feeling of unease or doubt, while "raising objections" implies a more specific and articulated disagreement or opposition.