misgivings about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "misgivings about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubts or concerns regarding a particular situation or decision. Example: "She had misgivings about accepting the job offer, fearing it might not align with her career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But she has misgivings about the practice.

The New York Times

Who has misgivings about nuclear power?

The Guardian - Opinion

So I don't have any misgivings about that at all".

The New York Times - Sports

The ensuing campaign reinforced her misgivings about political life.

The New York Times - Books

The songs are suffused with misgivings about humanity.

The New York Times - Arts

Do I have any misgivings about the law?

The New York Times

Still, he privately expressed misgivings about what the future held.

The New York Times

Several Tory frontbenchers also have misgivings about Ms Villiers' remarks.

Independent

Increasingly, though, the Gilbreths had misgivings about Taylorism.

The New Yorker

But they have similar misgivings about all foreigners.

The Economist

Even the opposition has misgivings about pursuing Mr Chirac.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "misgivings about", clearly specify what the misgivings pertain to. This provides clarity and context to your statement. For instance, "She had misgivings about the new policy" is better than "She had misgivings."

Common error

Avoid using "misgivings about" without providing specific reasons. A vague statement can weaken your argument and leave the reader unclear about your concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "misgivings about" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the object or situation causing doubt or apprehension. As Ludwig AI points out, it is correct and widely used in expressing concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "misgivings about" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express doubts or concerns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and understood. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various settings. When using this phrase, remember to specify what your misgivings pertain to, providing clarity and context. Alternatives such as "reservations concerning" or "apprehensions regarding" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. By using "misgivings about" effectively, you can convey a sense of unease or uncertainty in a clear and professional manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubts concerning

Directly expresses uncertainty or lack of conviction.

concerns regarding

Indicates worries or issues that need attention.

reservations concerning

Focuses on expressing formal doubts or hesitations.

hesitations about

Focuses on reluctance or unwillingness.

apprehensions regarding

Emphasizes feelings of anxiety or fear about something.

anxieties regarding

Stresses feelings of worry and nervousness.

unease about

Highlights a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

qualms about

Highlights moral or ethical hesitations.

second thoughts about

Implies reconsidering a decision due to doubts.

skepticism toward

Emphasizes a lack of belief or trust.

FAQs

How can I use "misgivings about" in a sentence?

You can use "misgivings about" to express doubts or concerns regarding a particular situation, decision, or plan. For example, "I have "misgivings about" the proposed changes to the project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "misgivings about"?

Some alternatives to "misgivings about" include "reservations concerning", "apprehensions regarding", or "concerns regarding". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "misgivings about" or "concerns about"?

Both "misgivings about" and "concerns about" are correct and usable. "Misgivings" tends to imply a stronger sense of doubt or apprehension than "concerns". The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you wish to express.

What's the difference between "misgivings about" and "doubts about"?

"Misgivings about" often suggests a more general sense of unease or apprehension, while "doubts about" typically refers to specific uncertainties or lack of conviction. For instance, you might have "doubts about" the accuracy of a report, but "misgivings about" the overall strategy.