loath to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loath to" is correct and usable in written English.
This expression is used to indicate reluctance or hesitation to do something. For example, "She was loath to admit her mistake in front of her boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are loath to miss the holidays.

The New York Times

She was loath to leave the house.

The New Yorker

I was loath to mess it up.

The New York Times - Food

Yet people are loath to challenge experts.

The New York Times

Seems loath to make correction.

The New York Times

I'm loath to single any one out.

The New York Times

Why are we loath to ask questions?

Harvard Business Review

And companies are loath to fight back.

The New York Times

Lincoln rewrote: "I am loath to close.

The New York Times

Drivers were loath to touch their horns.

The New York Times

Historians are loath to predict the future.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "loath to". While grammatically correct, it might sound overly formal or archaic in casual conversation. Choose a more common synonym like "unwilling" or "hesitant" for everyday use.

Common error

Avoid using "loath to" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically sound, it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unwilling" or "hesitant" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loath to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject and expressing reluctance or unwillingness to perform a specific action. It often precedes a verb in the infinitive form. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in expressing hesitation or disinclination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science & Research

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "loath to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express reluctance or unwillingness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly appears in news, academic, and formal business settings. While versatile, remember that "loath to" might sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using alternatives like "reluctant" or "unwilling" for a more casual tone. As seen across the variety of Ludwig examples, be mindful of context and tailor your language to suit the audience and situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant to

Emphasizes a feeling of hesitation or disinclination.

unwilling to

Indicates a lack of willingness or refusal to do something.

hesitant to

Highlights a pause or delay before acting due to uncertainty or doubt.

disinclined to

Suggests a mild aversion or lack of enthusiasm.

averse to

Implies a stronger feeling of opposition or dislike.

resistant to

Indicates active opposition or unwillingness to accept something.

opposed to

Expresses a firm disagreement or disapproval.

against the idea of

More descriptive and less formal, highlighting opposition to a specific idea.

not keen on

A more informal expression indicating a lack of enthusiasm or desire.

have reservations about

Suggests holding back due to doubts or concerns.

FAQs

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

You can use "loath to" to express reluctance or unwillingness to do something. For example, "She was "loath to" admit her mistake" or "They are "loath to" change their plans".

What are some alternatives to "loath to"?

Alternatives include "reluctant to", "unwilling to", "hesitant to", or "disinclined to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of reluctance you want to convey.

Is "loath to" formal or informal?

"Loath to" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "unwilling" or "hesitant". It is suitable for academic writing, professional communication, and situations where a more sophisticated tone is desired.

What's the difference between "loath to" and "averse to"?

"Loath to" implies reluctance to perform an action, while "averse to" indicates a dislike or opposition to something in general. For example, "I am "loath to" spend money" (reluctant to spend) versus "I am "averse to" public speaking" (dislike public speaking).