hesitant response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hesitant response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reply that shows uncertainty or reluctance. Example: "Her hesitant response to the question indicated that she was unsure about her answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The International Monetary Fund has warned European leaders that their hesitant response to Greece's debt crisis risks triggering the world's second global financial meltdown in three years.

The Guardian

To Bill Richardson: "Do you think homosexuality is a choice or is it biological?" (Mr. Richardson's hesitant response became the pre-eminent headline of the forum).

The New York Times

But what came across strongest today was her impatience with the slow and hesitant response of Israelis and Palestinians to the American call for courage and leadership.

The New York Times

The hesitant response to the latest and most dangerous turn in the crisis illustrates how political constraints are making it ever harder for Europe to find effective solutions.

The New York Times

Jack Straw's hesitant response to the discovery of Konrad Kalejs, a Latvian war crimes suspect, in an old people's home in December 1999 underlined fears that lack of evidence was not unrelated to absence of political will.

The Guardian

That debacle and the hesitant response to it in Washington -- several days of teleconferences among officials of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon and the National Security Council but no action, no decisions -- demonstrate yet again that doing good in Africa takes more than good intentions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

There are poor telephone connections, hesitant responses to letters which Alfred had thought were sharp and interesting.

The New Yorker

Mr. Wagoner's detailed, hesitant responses to lawmakers led some of them to conclude that G.M.'s problems were so vast that a bankruptcy filing was the only realistic solution.

The New York Times

— Representative Paul D. Ryan, the Republican vice presidential nominee, slammed President Obama's handling of the economy on Monday, seizing on hesitant responses by Mr. Obama's top strategists when asked whether the country was better off than it was four years ago.

The New York Times

The inconsistent, hesitant, nervous response to the Arab spring by western leaders eloquently expresses it today.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Cameron himself is weakened, thanks to the Panama Papers revelations about his finances and his hesitant, contorted response.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hesitant response" to describe situations where there is a noticeable delay or lack of enthusiasm in someone's reaction. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting a contrast between expected and actual behavior.

Common error

While "hesitant response" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in very formal or academic writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "guarded reply" or "cautious reaction" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hesitant response" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "hesitant" modifies the noun "response". It describes the quality or nature of a response as being uncertain or delayed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hesitant response" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a reaction characterized by uncertainty, delay, or lack of enthusiasm. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to consider stronger alternatives like "guarded reply" or "cautious reaction" in highly formal settings. Frequent usage involves highlighting critical situations or problematic reactions, making it a valuable term in analytical and descriptive writing. Understanding its nuances ensures effective communication and precise conveyance of intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain reply

Highlights the ambiguity and lack of conviction in the reply.

cautious reaction

Emphasizes the careful and guarded nature of the reaction.

tentative answer

Emphasizes the experimental and provisional nature of the answer.

reluctant answer

Stresses the unwillingness or disinclination behind the answer.

guarded reply

Highlights the protectiveness and lack of openness in the response.

unenthusiastic reaction

Highlights a lack of excitement or eagerness in the response.

delayed reaction

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the reaction, emphasizing its tardiness.

halting reply

Indicates a broken or interrupted flow in the reply.

equivocal answer

Emphasizes the ambiguity and indirectness of the answer.

wavering response

Suggests a fluctuating or indecisive quality in the response.

FAQs

What does "hesitant response" mean?

A "hesitant response" refers to a reply or reaction that is delayed, uncertain, or lacking enthusiasm. It suggests a degree of reluctance or indecision.

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

You can use "hesitant response" to describe a situation where someone's reaction is not immediate or confident. For example: "Her "hesitant response" to the proposal raised concerns among the team members."

What can I say instead of "hesitant response"?

You can use alternatives like "cautious reaction", "guarded reply", or "reluctant answer" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "hesitant response"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the lack of immediacy or enthusiasm in a reaction. It's suitable for describing situations in news, business, or personal contexts where someone's uncertainty is noteworthy.