is reluctant to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is reluctant to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use "is reluctant to" to describe someone's hesitation or unwillingness to do something. Example: John is reluctant to ask for a raise because he is afraid of being turned down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is reluctant to rain.

The New York Times

China is reluctant to abolish them.

The Economist

Now he is reluctant to try again.

The New York Times

Suez is reluctant to play along.

The Economist

Finlay is reluctant to explain.

The Guardian - Arts

The narrator is reluctant to join in.

The Guardian - Books

Clegg says he is reluctant to comment.

The Guardian

One is reluctant to accept their words".

The New York Times - Magazine

Venus is reluctant to talk about it.

The New York Times

She, too, is reluctant to move.

The Guardian

(Straus is reluctant to name the agency).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "is reluctant to" in formal writing. While grammatically correct, consider using synonyms like "hesitant" or "disinclined" to add variety and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Be careful not to use "is reluctant to" when a stronger term like "refuses to" or "rejects" would be more accurate. "Is reluctant to" implies hesitation, not necessarily outright opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is reluctant to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of hesitation or unwillingness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It connects a subject with a feeling of unease or disinclination towards a particular action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is reluctant to" is a versatile phrase used to express hesitation or unwillingness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While it's suitable for various contexts, it's essential to choose the right level of resistance and avoid overuse in formal writing. Remember, while it expresses hesitation, it doesn't necessarily imply outright opposition. Consider alternatives like "is hesitant to" or "is unwilling to" for nuance. Primarily found in news and media, "is reluctant to" is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is hesitant to

This alternative directly replaces "reluctant" with "hesitant", maintaining a high degree of semantic similarity while using a slightly different word choice.

is unwilling to

Replaces "reluctant" with "unwilling", focusing on the lack of willingness rather than the hesitation. It is still very similar in meaning.

hesitates to

This verb phrase emphasizes the pause or delay before acting, highlighting the uncertainty or reluctance.

is disinclined to

Uses a more formal word, "disinclined", indicating a lack of enthusiasm or motivation to do something.

is loath to

Emphasizes a strong aversion or dislike towards doing something, making it a more forceful expression of reluctance.

is averse to

Highlights an opposition or dislike for something, suggesting a resistance to the action.

shrinks from

Implies avoiding something due to fear or distaste. This conveys reluctance with a sense of apprehension.

holds back from

Focuses on restraining oneself from doing something, suggesting a deliberate act of reluctance.

is not keen on

An informal way of expressing a lack of enthusiasm or willingness.

is resisting the urge to

Suggests an internal conflict where someone wants to do something but is actively fighting against it, implying reluctance through resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "is reluctant to" in a sentence?

Use "is reluctant to" to describe someone's hesitation or unwillingness to do something. For example, "She "is reluctant to" share her personal information online."

What are some alternatives to "is reluctant to"?

You can use alternatives like "is hesitant to", "is unwilling to", or "is disinclined to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is reluctant to" or "is unwilling to"?

Both ""is reluctant to"" and "is unwilling to" are correct, but "is reluctant to" implies more hesitation, while "is unwilling to" suggests a stronger lack of desire or commitment.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "is reluctant to"?

Avoid using "is reluctant to" when a stronger term like "refuses to" or "rejects" is more appropriate. "Is reluctant to" suggests a level of hesitation, not necessarily outright rejection.