hesitant to say

USAGE SUMMARY

'hesitant to say' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to show that someone is hesitant to express their opinion or feelings. For example: "She was hesitant to say what she really thought about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I would be hesitant to say".

The New York Times

As far as mental health goes, I'm hesitant to say I'm a success story.

Columbia University

Yet he was hesitant to say that France's labor movement was in permanent decline.

The New York Times

But they are hesitant to say how long that will be.

The New York Times

"I've always been hesitant to say that Masson's abstract pictures lead directly to Pollock," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I am hesitant to say that it is a deliberate racist motive.

The Guardian

"I'm hesitant to say we have significantly reduced the problem," he said.

The New York Times

"I would be hesitant to say I'm completely happy with current regulatory structures," says Bowman.

The Guardian

Whether that would be the case in the United States, Mr. Rogoff said, "I'm hesitant to say".

The New York Times

"Guys are hesitant to say something; people feel offended or don't feel that they can say something to the coach".

The New York Times - Sports

"We've still got a long way to go so I'm hesitant to say success has come quickly or it hasn't.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hesitant to say" when you want to convey a sense of reluctance or uncertainty in expressing an opinion or fact. It's particularly effective when you suspect the statement might be controversial or poorly received.

Common error

Avoid using "hesitant to say" excessively as a mere filler phrase. If you find yourself using it frequently, consider whether the reluctance is genuine or if you can express the same idea more directly and confidently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hesitant to say" functions as a hedging device, softening the impact of the statement that follows. It expresses a degree of uncertainty or reluctance on the part of the speaker. Ludwig's examples show its widespread use across various contexts.

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 say" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that introduces a statement with a degree of reluctance or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a hedging device, softening the impact of the message. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as academic and scientific writing, suggesting its versatility across different registers. While effective for conveying caution, overuse should be avoided to maintain clarity and confidence in communication. Alternatives such as "reluctant to state" or "unwilling to express" can provide variety in expression. Remember to use "hesitant to say" judiciously to add nuance and tact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant to state

Focuses on the act of stating something, emphasizing the reluctance.

unwilling to express

Highlights a lack of willingness to make something known.

cautious in declaring

Emphasizes carefulness and a measured approach to making a declaration.

guarded about revealing

Suggests a protective stance regarding the information being revealed.

disinclined to mention

Highlights an aversion to bringing something up.

chary of asserting

Implies a fear or risk associated with making an assertion.

circumspect in disclosing

Suggests careful consideration before making a disclosure.

reticent to affirm

Emphasizes a quiet or reserved nature in confirming something.

averse to divulging

Highlights a strong dislike for revealing information.

uneasy about sharing

Focuses on the discomfort associated with sharing information.

FAQs

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

You can use "hesitant to say" to express reluctance or uncertainty before making a statement. For example, "I'm hesitant to say this, but I think we need to reconsider our strategy."

What are some alternatives to "hesitant to say"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reluctant to state", "unwilling to express", or "cautious in declaring".

Is it grammatically correct to use "hesitant to say"?

Yes, "hesitant to say" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate a reluctance or uncertainty in expressing something.

What does "hesitant to say" imply?

"Hesitant to say" implies that the speaker is experiencing some level of discomfort, uncertainty, or fear in expressing the following statement. This could be due to potential negative consequences, disagreement, or simply a lack of confidence in their opinion.