initial reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial reservations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to initial doubts or concerns. Example: After hearing further details of the plan, I overcame my initial reservations about participating.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After some initial reservations, Dunn agreed.

The New Yorker

Whatever his initial reservations, Whitfield was a shrewd operator.

The Guardian - Music

For all my initial reservations, skiing on it felt effortless.

The Guardian - Travel

Despite having initial reservations, I'm finding it all quite exhilarating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hart then joins the 'Rosebud' celebrations, despite his initial reservations.

Independent

Any initial reservations were often based on a lack of knowledge.

The Guardian

Soosar admits, however, to initial reservations about taking part in the contest.

The Guardian

Mark Rookwood, 46, a currency trader in Manhattan, didn't seem to have had any initial reservations.

The New York Times - Arts

Summer's assessment, despite her initial reservations, was that Mr Tumble "is really, really, really, really good".

The Guardian

My non-yogi partner (despite initial reservations on both sides) enjoys it too.

The Guardian - Travel

Now aged 84, she is enjoying life as an entrepreneur, despite the initial reservations of her friends.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up a statement about "initial reservations" with an explanation of how those reservations were addressed or overcome to demonstrate growth or progress.

Common error

Don't assume your audience knows why the "initial reservations" existed. Always provide enough context to clarify the source of these concerns. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial reservations" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object of a preposition (e.g., "despite my initial reservations") or as a subject complement. It describes the early doubts or concerns that someone has about something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial reservations" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe early doubts or concerns. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to explain the source of the reservations. Alternatives like "early concerns" or "preliminary doubts" can be used depending on the desired nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "initial reservations" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

early concerns

Focuses on the timing of the concerns, emphasizing they occurred at the beginning.

preliminary doubts

Highlights the uncertainty and tentativeness of the doubts at an early stage.

initial misgivings

Emphasizes a feeling of unease or apprehension at the outset.

first thoughts of doubt

Highlights the chronological sequence of having doubts at the start.

original hesitations

Focuses on the original and somewhat reluctant pause before acceptance.

primary apprehensions

Underscores fundamental or basic feelings of anxiety or fear.

early stage skepticism

Indicates doubt and questioning during the initial phase.

starting reservations

Highlights that the reservations exist right from the start.

nascent concerns

Emphasizes that the concerns are just beginning to emerge or develop.

pre-existing worries

Focuses on anxieties that existed before a particular event or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "initial reservations" in a sentence?

You can use "initial reservations" to express doubts or concerns you had at the beginning of a situation. For example, "Despite my "initial reservations", the project turned out to be a success."

What's a good alternative to "initial reservations"?

Alternatives include "early concerns", "preliminary doubts", or "initial misgivings" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "initial reservations" or "first reservations"?

"Initial reservations" is generally preferred as it's a more common and idiomatic expression. While "first reservations" is understandable, it's less frequently used. You can use "primary apprehensions" or "original hesitations" as alternatives.

What does it mean to overcome "initial reservations"?

To overcome "initial reservations" means to move past your early doubts or concerns and become more accepting or supportive of something. It implies a change in perspective after gaining more information or experience.