hesitant about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hesitant about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is apprehensive or uncertain about something. For example, "The student was hesitant about taking the test until the teacher offered to review the material one final time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The family stuff is something I was hesitant about," he said.

The New York Times

He's hesitant about killing it.

The New Yorker

Others are more hesitant about spring recruitment.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Yet Sousa was hesitant about it.

The New York Times

Mr. Hines was hesitant about the man.

The New York Times

"I would be hesitant about that".

The New York Times

Cianfrance had been equally hesitant about Bradley Cooper.

Independent

Semere was hesitant about Arefaine's escape plan.

The New Yorker

We were hesitant about repeating those comments here.

The New York Times

Still, Carmelo Anthony was reportedly hesitant about Smith's signing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Experts were hesitant about the contribution of care providers' advice in SDM.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hesitant about", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the hesitation to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "hesitant about" when a stronger term like "opposed to" or "against" is more accurate. "Hesitant" implies a degree of uncertainty or mild reluctance, not firm opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hesitant about" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of reluctance, uncertainty, or apprehension regarding something. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Hesitant about" is a versatile phrase used to describe a state of reluctance, uncertainty, or apprehension. It is grammatically correct and commonly employed in a wide range of contexts, from news reports to academic papers. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is widely considered correct and usable in writing. While the phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings, its most frequent use in news and media indicates a generally neutral register. Related phrases include "reluctant to", "cautious regarding", and "apprehensive about", each with its own subtle shading of meaning. When using "hesitant about", ensure that the reason for the hesitation is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain of

Highlights a lack of sureness or confidence.

reluctant to

Focuses more on unwillingness than uncertainty.

apprehensive about

Highlights anxiety or fear about potential negative outcomes.

cautious regarding

Emphasizes the element of risk assessment and careful consideration.

wary of

Implies suspicion or distrust.

reticent about

Suggests a reluctance to speak or share information.

doubtful concerning

Emphasizes a lack of certainty or belief.

disinclined to

Indicates a lack of willingness or motivation.

indecisive regarding

Focuses on the inability to make a firm decision.

unenthusiastic about

Expresses a lack of excitement or interest.

FAQs

How to use "hesitant about" in a sentence?

You can use "hesitant about" to describe someone's reluctance or uncertainty towards something. For example, "She was hesitant about accepting the new job offer."

What can I say instead of "hesitant about"?

You can use alternatives like "reluctant to", "uncertain of", or "cautious regarding" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "hesitant about" or "hesitant to"?

"Hesitant about" is generally followed by a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing), while "hesitant to" is followed by a verb in its base form. Both are correct, but their usage depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence.

What's the difference between "hesitant about" and "doubtful about"?

"Hesitant about" implies a degree of reluctance or uncertainty, while "doubtful about" suggests a stronger feeling of disbelief or skepticism. "Hesitant" focuses on the action itself, while "doubtful" focuses on the outcome or truth.