hint of reservation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of reservation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight feeling of doubt or hesitation about something. Example: "Although she agreed to the plan, there was a hint of reservation in her voice that suggested she wasn't entirely convinced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He understood that behind even the most respectful assessment, there lurked a hint of reservation.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For the first time, really, Bush was hip, raved about by music journalists without any hint of apologia or reservation.

The Guardian - Music

But in September Mr Hu dropped a not-so-subtle hint of his own reservations, emphasising the principle of "centralism"—which means upholding party decisions without dissent.

The Economist

Date of reservation.

The Guardian

Determine your level of reservation.

WikiHow

But there was also reservation in his voice, a slight hint of concern that a young team like his could slip back into bad habits without the highest level of focus and care.

The New York Times - Sports

In another tweet, he added, with more than a hint of schadenfreude, "Here's a detail from inside the Murdoch entourage: They are having trouble getting London restaurant reservations".

The New York Times

A hint of flexibility.

The Economist

Without a hint of irony.

The New York Times

And even the hint of ministerial interference would serve to undermine the judiciary's independence.Much better would be for ministers to make their reservations about a particular candidate known directly to the appointments commission.

The Economist

Not a hint of diva about it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of reservation" when you want to subtly convey doubt or hesitation without being overtly critical.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of reservation" when the hesitation is significant or obvious; instead, opt for stronger terms like "strong reservation" or "serious doubt".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of reservation" functions as a qualifier, adding nuance to an assessment or agreement. It suggests a subtle level of doubt or hesitation, as Ludwig AI confirms, making it a useful tool for expressing measured opinions. It typically modifies a noun or verb phrase, indicating the degree to which something is accepted or approved.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of reservation" is a grammatically correct and subtly expressive way to convey doubt or hesitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to qualify statements without outright disagreement. Appearing mostly in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for objective reporting. When using this phrase, be sure to match the subtle and tempered tone of the situation. Consider alternative phrasing for stronger expressions or different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight hesitation

Focuses on the hesitation itself, rather than a subtle indication of it.

touch of reluctance

Emphasizes a lack of willingness or enthusiasm.

trace of doubt

Highlights the presence of uncertainty.

whiff of skepticism

Suggests a mild form of disbelief or questioning.

shade of misgiving

Implies a feeling of apprehension or unease about something.

tinge of apprehension

Highlights a slight anxiety or fear about a future event.

suggestion of uncertainty

Focuses on the lack of sureness or confidence.

element of concern

Emphasizes a feeling of worry or interest.

note of caution

Highlights the need for careful consideration.

whisper of doubt

Conveys a barely perceptible feeling of uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "hint of reservation" in a sentence?

You can use "hint of reservation" to subtly express doubt or hesitation, as in, "Although she agreed, there was a "hint of reservation" in her voice".

What is a good alternative to "hint of reservation"?

Alternatives include "slight hesitation", "touch of reluctance", or "trace of doubt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "hint of reservation" imply?

It implies a subtle or slight feeling of doubt, hesitation, or unease about something, not a strong or definitive objection.

Is "hint of reservation" formal or informal language?

"Hint of reservation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in writing or more thoughtful conversation than in casual speech.