hesitant to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hesitant to use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or reluctance about utilizing something, such as a tool, method, or idea. Example: "She was hesitant to use the new software because she was unfamiliar with its features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few of us would be hesitant to use the word to describe the genocidal regimes, for example, of Stalin, Hitler, Pol Pot and Milosevic.

The New York Times - Magazine

To date, most of us have been hesitant to use too many GPS-enabled apps, primarily because of the battery drain issues.

TechCrunch

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

BMC Health Services Research

Despite the potential for these dominant markers to produce useful data, some researchers have been hesitant to use them due to technical limitations.

Applications in Plant Sciences

"And despite the consequences, they were hesitant to use sunscreen".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet he has been hesitant to use that power.

The New York Times

Most producers have been hesitant to use screw caps on wines destined to age.

The New York Times - Food

Before then, I had been hesitant to use the service: What if something went wrong?

The New York Times - Travel

That leaves many experts hesitant to use the test, which costs about $300.

The New York Times

"Police are now hesitant to use an important tool in proactive policing," she said.

The New York Times

Ever since, he has been hesitant to use traditional power in traditional ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a general reluctance, "hesitant to use" is suitable. For example, "Many people are "hesitant to use" public transportation after the pandemic."

Common error

Avoid using "hesitant to use" when a stronger term like "refuse to use" or "reject" is more accurate. "Hesitant" implies a degree of uncertainty or mild reluctance, not outright refusal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hesitant to use" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of reluctance or unwillingness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and widely found.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hesitant to use" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed expression, as Ludwig AI confirms. It serves to convey reluctance or uncertainty towards utilizing something, fitting comfortably within neutral registers and a wide array of contexts, particularly news, scientific, and academic domains. While alternatives exist to nuance the specific shade of reluctance, "hesitant to use" remains a versatile and reliable choice. When using this expression, writers should be mindful of the degree of reluctance they wish to convey, ensuring that "hesitant" accurately reflects the intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant to use

Focuses more on unwillingness or disinclination.

cautious about using

Emphasizes carefulness and wariness when considering usage.

wary of utilizing

Highlights suspicion or distrust in the context of usage.

unwilling to employ

Stresses a lack of willingness to put something into service.

disinclined to apply

Suggests a mild aversion to using something in a particular situation.

chary of adopting

Implies a careful and restrained approach to adopting something new.

averse to implementing

Indicates a strong dislike or opposition to putting something into effect.

doubtful about exploiting

Highlights uncertainty or skepticism regarding the use of something for gain.

reticent to adopt

Focuses on a reluctance to speak about adopting a new method, technology etc.

afraid to utilize

Implies a fear-based reluctance to use something.

FAQs

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

You can use "hesitant to use" to describe someone's reluctance or uncertainty about utilizing something. For example, "The company was "hesitant to use" the new technology due to security concerns."

What are some alternatives to "hesitant to use"?

You can use alternatives like "reluctant to use", "cautious about using", or "wary of utilizing" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "hesitant to use" and "afraid to use"?

"Hesitant to use" implies a reluctance due to uncertainty or mild apprehension, while "afraid to use" indicates a stronger emotion rooted in fear or anxiety. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "hesitant to use"?

It might be inappropriate to use "hesitant to use" if the subject's reluctance stems from moral or ethical objections. In such cases, phrases like "unwilling to use" or "refuse to use" might be more accurate.