hesitant to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hesitant to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate a feeling of caution or doubt before doing something. For example, "I was hesitant to go out in the storm, but eventually I decided it was the best thing to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many are hesitant to do so, at least for now.

The New York Times

"That's why companies are hesitant to do it.

The New York Times

But today his government still seems hesitant to do so.

The Economist

"People are hesitant to do a lot of significant transactions".

The New York Times

Rosa is examining a new direction in architecture, something that museums are often hesitant to do.

The New Yorker

D'Antoni wanted to start Hughes on Friday, but he was hesitant to do it at home.

The New York Times - Sports

"School districts were hesitant to do anything in our outreach efforts".

The New York Times

Although she has a computer and knows she can order the drugs online herself, she is hesitant to do so.

The New York Times

The fact that they have been so hesitant to do this reflects a deeper ambivalence about their own power.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're hesitant to do anything to the house and changing what is essentially a museum," Mr. Feist said.

The New York Times - Travel

But having endured the first replacement, they say they are now very hesitant to do it again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hesitant to do", consider the specific reason for the hesitation. Providing context can enhance clarity and understanding. For instance, instead of just saying "They were hesitant to do it", specify "They were hesitant to do it because of the potential risks involved".

Common error

Avoid repetitive sentence structures by using synonyms like "reluctant to do" or "unwilling to do" to add nuance and sophistication to your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hesitant to do" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a subject to express a feeling of reluctance or doubt before undertaking a specific action. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hesitant to do" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express reluctance or uncertainty before undertaking an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Sports. While generally neutral in tone, considering synonyms like "reluctant to do" or "unwilling to do" can enrich your writing and prevent repetition. Remember to provide context for the hesitation to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant to undertake

Suggests a formal unwillingness to begin a task.

unwilling to perform

Emphasizes a lack of willingness, slightly stronger than "hesitant".

disinclined to execute

Implies a formal reluctance, often due to personal preference.

averse to carrying out

Indicates a strong dislike or opposition to performing an action.

loath to proceed with

Suggests a feeling of disgust or intense unwillingness.

resistant to implementing

Indicates opposition or difficulty in putting something into effect.

chary of engaging in

Highlights caution and reluctance due to potential risks.

opposed to pursuing

Expresses disagreement or resistance to following a particular course.

dubious about starting

Shows doubt and uncertainty about beginning something.

uneasy about initiating

Implies discomfort or anxiety about starting an action.

FAQs

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

Use "hesitant to do" to express reluctance or doubt about performing an action. For example, "She was "hesitant to do" the surgery due to the potential risks".

What are some alternatives to "hesitant to do"?

You can use alternatives like "reluctant to do", "unwilling to do", or "disinclined to do" depending on the specific context.

Is "hesitant to do" formal or informal?

"Hesitant to do" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "reluctant to undertake" may be preferred in very formal writing.

What's the difference between "hesitant to do" and "afraid to do"?

"Hesitant to do" implies a degree of uncertainty or reluctance, while "afraid to do" suggests fear as the primary reason for not wanting to perform an action. For example, someone might be "hesitant to do" a presentation because they are unsure of their abilities, but "afraid to do" it because they fear public speaking.