hesitant to

USAGE SUMMARY

‘hesitant to’ is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe someone’s unwillingness to do something. For example, “He was hesitant to try a new recipe.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Banks are hesitant to lend.

The New York Times

hesitant to give offense?

The New York Times - Books

But we are hesitant to change.

The New York Times

It seems hesitant to quash speculation.

The New York Times

Hesitant to call the experience therapy, Ste.

The New York Times

I'd be hesitant to go that route.

The New York Times

It makes people hesitant to invest".

The New York Times

I would be hesitant to say".

The New York Times

People were hesitant to talk to me.

The Guardian - Arts

Investors have been hesitant to jump onboard.

The Guardian

Initially, Armstrong was hesitant to discuss Rose.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the degree of reluctance you want to convey. "Hesitant to" implies a mild reluctance, whereas other phrases like "unwilling to" express stronger opposition.

Common error

While "hesitant to" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound uncertain. Vary your language by using stronger, more direct verbs that reflect your confidence in your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hesitant to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing a state of reluctance or unwillingness towards a particular action. It modifies a subject, indicating their frame of mind before undertaking something. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hesitant to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses a mild form of reluctance or unwillingness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It is versatile enough for various contexts, though its neutral register makes it particularly suitable for news, academic, and professional writing. While perfectly acceptable, remember to consider synonyms such as "reluctant to" or "unwilling to" to add nuance to your writing and avoid overuse. Being mindful of the context and purpose ensures that your message is communicated effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant to

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal.

unwilling to

Indicates a stronger disinclination than "hesitant to".

disinclined to

More formal and suggests a lack of enthusiasm.

uneasy about

Focuses on the feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

cautious about

Highlights a careful approach due to potential risks.

wary of

Suggests suspicion or distrust.

averse to

Formal and indicates a strong dislike.

loath to

Implies extreme reluctance or unwillingness.

shy away from

Suggests avoiding something due to fear or nervousness.

think twice about

Emphasizes careful consideration before acting.

FAQs

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

You can use "hesitant to" to describe someone's reluctance or unwillingness to do something. For example: "The company was "hesitant to" invest in new technology."

What are some alternatives to "hesitant to"?

Alternatives to "hesitant to" include "reluctant to", "unwilling to", and "disinclined to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hesitant to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Hesitant" is an adjective, and "to" introduces the infinitive form of the verb, creating a standard English construction.

What's the difference between "hesitant to" and "reluctant to"?

While both phrases convey a lack of enthusiasm, "hesitant to" suggests a pause or uncertainty before acting, whereas "reluctant to" implies a stronger unwillingness or resistance.