qualms

USAGE SUMMARY

'qualms' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means a feeling of doubt or hesitation about doing something. Example sentence: I had qualms about going to the party, but I decided to go anyway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The actor admits that OK, yes, he had to overcome some qualms of his own.

The Guardian - Film

But he confessed to qualms about "some manifestations of Islam in this country which have been harmful", including "the prevalence of rather too many mosques, I think.

The Guardian

One can only assume that, on the verge of bankruptcy and with no qualms about misleading a public who had failed to stump up the cash to save his life's collection, Donovan turned his specimen into "the last Wolf" in the hope of a few extra quid.

The Guardian

We have no qualms in telling people who are smokers that they ought to stop smoking, but we are reticent abut telling people to go on a diet.

The Guardian

"It was the first country in the region to appoint a woman prime minister We have a visionary leader who has no qualms about giving ministerial portfolios – tourism, secondary and higher education – to women," she adds.

The Guardian - Sport

But rather than voice his qualms, he simply moved department.

The Guardian - Opinion

If this leads to reliance on a broader array of suppliers or deeper relationships with countries that have fewer qualms about supplying controversial regimes, the likes of BAE could suffer.

The Guardian - Business

But on Wednesday, Murphy eschewed the inflammatory, easy route of shaming gun rights extremists (though I have no qualms about that path myself).

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't have any qualms about it.

The Guardian - Film

I love that his coach, Amélie Mauresmo, is a woman, and he has no qualms in championing that.

The Guardian - Sport

Given his past, he can have few qualms if so many people prefer to stay rooted to the spot.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "qualms" with verbs like 'have,' 'express,' or 'voice' to clearly communicate the feeling of unease. For example, 'He voiced his qualms regarding the proposed changes to the policy.'

Common error

Avoid using "qualms" when you simply mean "problems". "Qualms" specifically refers to moral or ethical reservations, not general difficulties. For example, it's incorrect to say 'The project faced qualms due to budget constraints'; instead, use 'problems'.

Linguistic Context

The noun "qualms" functions as the object of a verb or a preposition, denoting feelings of doubt, hesitation, or uneasiness, especially of a moral kind. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "qualms" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used noun that denotes feelings of doubt, hesitation, or moral reservation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent appearance in diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in formal business and scientific writing. When using "qualms", ensure it accurately reflects ethical or moral anxieties, distinguishing it from general "problems". Synonyms like "misgivings" or "reservations" can offer nuanced alternatives. By understanding these aspects, writers can effectively convey nuanced feelings of unease and moral questioning in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misgivings

Focuses on a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

reservations

Emphasizes a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about whether something is good, right, or appropriate.

scruples

Highlights moral or ethical considerations that cause hesitation or unwillingness to act.

doubts

A general term for feelings of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

hesitations

Implies a pause or reluctance to act due to uncertainty or indecision.

apprehensions

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad might happen.

concerns

Highlights worries or anxieties about a particular issue or situation.

unease

Refers to a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

ethical considerations

Specifically relates to questioning the moral rightness of something.

moral objections

Implies opposition based on principles of right and wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "qualms" in a sentence?

You can use "qualms" to express feelings of doubt, hesitation, or uneasiness about something. For example, "He had "qualms" about accepting the job offer because of the long hours".

What are some synonyms for "qualms"?

Synonyms for "qualms" include "misgivings", "reservations", "scruples", and "doubts".

Is it correct to say "I have no qualm"?

No, the correct usage is typically "I have no qualms" (plural), as it usually refers to multiple concerns or reservations. However, "I have no qualm" can be used to express a single, specific reservation, though it's less common.

What's the difference between "qualms" and "concerns"?

"Concerns" are general worries or issues, while "qualms" specifically relate to moral or ethical reservations. You might have "concerns" about the weather, but you'd have "qualms" about a morally questionable business decision.