hesitant feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

"hesitant feeling" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sense of uncertainty or reluctance about a situation or decision. For example, "She had a hesitant feeling about accepting the job offer." Alternative expressions include "uncertain feeling," "reluctant feeling," and "doubtful feeling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They had at first been hesitant, feeling a wedge of anxiety about engaging with the public this way.

The New York Times

People start off hesitant, feeling awkward and a bit vulnerable, he says, but the experience often ends in laughter and hugs not because they're praising successful business deals or admirable reports, but because they're getting at something deeper.

University of California, Berkeley

She was initially hesitant, feeling that "these were beyond her capabilities", but she was supported by Rajeswara Rao who "worked hard on her".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Hesitation is a dummy variable for feeling hesitant to use an ambulance (yes = 1, no = 0).

BMC Health Services Research

Many were quick to talk about their moral feelings but hesitant to link these feelings to any broader thinking about a shared moral framework or obligation.

The New York Times

He also said officers in Chicago and other cities may also be feeling hesitant amid protests over policing.

The Washington Post

Fairtrade is also a bit of a luxury for people and they are feeling hesitant about buying into that at the moment".

The Guardian - Business

If you're feeling hesitant, remember that, despite the scientist's eminence in the field, she's just a person.

Science Magazine

Give him something more than that and he's always asking "what does this button do?", feeling hesitant and inclined to give up, saying "i'm not a gamer" before returning to Words With Friends on his iPad.

TechCrunch

If you're feeling hesitant, come to a code and coffee, study group.

Huffington Post

If you're still feeling hesitant about bringing a personal problem to a friend dealing with death, why not simply ask if she feels up to talking about it?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's internal state, use "hesitant feeling" to convey a subtle sense of doubt or reluctance, rather than outright fear or opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "hesitant feeling" when a stronger emotion like fear or strong doubt is more accurate. Hesitation implies a milder form of reluctance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hesitant feeling" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig illustrates, it describes a state of uncertainty or reluctance. Examples include "having a hesitant feeling" or "feeling a bit hesitant".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hesitant feeling" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a sense of uncertainty or reluctance. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while not extremely common, it appears consistently across various reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase, conveying a subtle state of doubt or apprehension and as Ludwig examples shows. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, with a generally neutral register suitable for a wide range of communication styles. Remember to use "hesitant feeling" to convey mild reluctance and avoid using it when a stronger emotion would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant sensation

Focuses on the reluctance aspect of the feeling.

apprehensive sentiment

Highlights the anxiety and worry associated with the feeling.

uneasy emotion

Emphasizes the lack of comfort and peace of mind.

doubtful impression

Centers on the uncertainty and lack of conviction.

tentative sense

Underscores the cautious and experimental nature of the feeling.

wavering disposition

Conveys a sense of indecision and instability in one's feelings.

unsettled mindset

Highlights the disruption and lack of stability in one's thoughts and feelings.

indecisive frame of mind

Focuses on the difficulty in making a decision due to conflicting feelings.

ambivalent attitude

Emphasizes the presence of conflicting positive and negative feelings.

cautious outlook

Highlights the careful and guarded perspective due to underlying hesitation.

FAQs

How can I use "hesitant feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "hesitant feeling" to describe a sense of reluctance or uncertainty about something. For example, "She had a "hesitant feeling" about accepting the new job offer."

What's a more formal way to express a "hesitant feeling"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "apprehensive sentiment", "reluctant sensation", or "uneasy emotion" instead of "hesitant feeling".

What are some common situations that might cause a "hesitant feeling"?

A "hesitant feeling" might arise when faced with a difficult decision, an unfamiliar situation, or interacting with someone new.

Is it correct to say "having a hesitant feeling"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "having a hesitant feeling". It emphasizes the experience of feeling hesitant. A simpler phrasing would be to use the verb 'hesitate', or 'feeling hesitant'.