he hesitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he hesitated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a person is unsure or hesitant about making a decision or action. For example: "He hesitated before making a decision, unsure of what to do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He hesitated.

The New York Times

He hesitated about moving.

The New York Times

Then he hesitated.

The New York Times - Sports

But he hesitated.

The New Yorker

Still, he hesitated.

The New Yorker

He hesitated nevertheless.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He hesitates slightly.

The Guardian - Travel

He hesitates, sighing.

The Guardian

Did he hesitate?

The Guardian

He hesitates when he replies.

The Guardian

He hesitates, he prevaricates, he agonises.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he hesitated" to create suspense or reveal a character's internal conflict. It's effective for showing uncertainty without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid beginning too many consecutive sentences with "he hesitated", as this can make your writing monotonous. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he hesitated" functions as a declarative statement describing a past action. It typically serves as a verb phrase within a larger sentence, indicating a moment of pause or indecision on the part of the subject. Ludwig confirms its validity and proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he hesitated" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a pause or moment of indecision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "he paused" or "he wavered" to add nuance. While effective, avoid overuse to prevent monotony. Overall, "he hesitated" is a versatile tool for conveying character uncertainty and enhancing narrative depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he paused

Emphasizes a brief interruption in speech or action, often implying uncertainty.

he wavered

Suggests indecision or a temporary inability to make up his mind.

he faltered

Implies a loss of confidence or fluency in speech or action.

he demurred

Suggests a polite refusal or objection, often with a degree of hesitation.

he balked

Indicates a sudden unwillingness to proceed.

he vacillated

Highlights the fluctuation between different opinions or actions.

he stalled

Suggests delaying or postponing an action, often to gain time.

he was reluctant

Emphasizes unwillingness and resistance to an action.

he delayed

Focuses on the act of postponing or putting off an action.

he thought twice

Indicates careful consideration or reconsideration before acting.

FAQs

How can I use "he hesitated" in a sentence?

Use "he hesitated" to show a character's uncertainty or reluctance. For example, "He hesitated before answering the question, unsure of the consequences."

What are some alternatives to "he hesitated"?

You can use alternatives such as "he paused", "he wavered", or "he faltered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "he hesitated"?

Yes, "he hesitated" is grammatically correct. "He" is a subject pronoun, and "hesitated" is the past tense form of the verb "hesitate".

What's the difference between "he hesitated" and "he paused"?

"He hesitated" implies uncertainty or reluctance, while "he paused" simply indicates a brief stop in speech or action. The former suggests an internal conflict, while the latter is more neutral.