i hesitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I hesitated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a moment of uncertainty or indecision before taking action or making a decision. Example: "When it was time to speak in front of the audience, I hesitated, unsure of what to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I hesitated.

The New York Times

I hesitated a bit.

The New York Times

Then I hesitated.

The New York Times - Food

Still I hesitated.

The New York Times - Tech

I hesitated at the prospect.

The New Yorker

But this time I hesitated.

The New York Times

I hesitated to disclose this.

The New Yorker

"Moving, funny, inspiring…." I hesitated.

The New Yorker

I hesitated for a minute.

The New Yorker

Frankly, I hesitated to write this column.

The New York Times

"I'm on a slow bike!" I hesitated.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I hesitated" to effectively convey a character's inner conflict or uncertainty in narratives, adding depth and realism to their actions and decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "I hesitated" repeatedly within a short span of text. Vary your language to describe the character's indecision with alternatives like "I paused", "I wavered", or describing their internal thoughts to prevent the writing from becoming monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I hesitated" primarily functions as a statement of action, indicating a brief pause or delay in one's behavior due to uncertainty, reluctance, or contemplation. As Ludwig confirms, it's a standard and grammatically correct construction. Examples show its use in various narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I hesitated" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a pause or moment of indecision. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "I paused" or "I wavered" for stylistic variation. The phrase serves to enrich narratives by revealing internal conflicts and critical decision-making moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I paused briefly

Emphasizes a short break in action or speech due to uncertainty.

I wavered for a moment

Highlights a temporary indecision or fluctuation in resolve.

I was momentarily uncertain

Focuses on the feeling of doubt or lack of clarity at a specific time.

I had second thoughts

Suggests a reconsideration or doubt after an initial decision.

I faltered in my resolve

Indicates a weakening or temporary loss of determination.

I was reluctant to proceed

Emphasizes unwillingness or disinclination to continue.

I felt a moment of doubt

Highlights the experience of uncertainty or skepticism.

I stopped short

Implies an abrupt cessation of movement or action due to hesitation.

I contemplated briefly

Shows a short period of thoughtful consideration before acting.

I considered backing out

Indicates a thought about withdrawing from a commitment or action.

FAQs

How can I use "I hesitated" in a sentence?

The phrase "I hesitated" is used to describe a moment of pause or indecision before taking an action or making a decision. For example, "I hesitated before answering the question, unsure of the correct response."

What are some alternatives to "I hesitated"?

You can use alternatives such as "I paused", "I wavered", or "I felt reluctant" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I hesitated to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I hesitated to" followed by a verb. For example, "I hesitated to speak my mind."

What's the difference between "I hesitated" and "I paused"?

"I hesitated" implies a moment of uncertainty or reluctance, while "I paused" simply means a temporary stop, without necessarily implying doubt or indecision.