reluctant to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reluctant to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express hesitation or unwillingness to do something. Example: "She was reluctant to accept the job offer because it required moving to a new city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Faire seemed reluctant to commit.

The New York Times - Magazine

Consumers were reluctant to spend.

The New Yorker

Investors were reluctant to invest.

The New Yorker

He was reluctant to speak.

The Guardian - Books

It is reluctant to rain.

The New York Times

China is reluctant to abolish them.

The Economist

Private firms are still reluctant to invest.

The Economist

The government seems reluctant to recognise that.

The Economist

Americans are particularly reluctant to lend.

The Economist

Many are reluctant to do so.

The Economist

That would keep employers reluctant to hire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reluctant to" when you want to express hesitation or a lack of enthusiasm towards a specific action. Ensure the subject's reasons for reluctance are clear from the context.

Common error

Avoid using "reluctant to" when a stronger term like "refuse to" or a weaker term like "hesitant to" more accurately reflects the subject's attitude. Choosing the right term provides a more precise depiction of their feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reluctant to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It describes a subject's unwillingness or hesitation towards a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reluctant to" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey hesitation or unwillingness towards a specific action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "hesitant to" or "unwilling to", choosing the most appropriate synonym ensures clarity and precision. Remember to use "reluctant to" when you want to express hesitation or a lack of enthusiasm towards a specific action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hesitant to

Similar in meaning but may imply a shorter duration of uncertainty.

Unwilling to

Indicates a stronger degree of opposition or refusal.

Averse to

Suggests a feeling of dislike or opposition towards something.

Loath to

Implies a strong feeling of repugnance or unwillingness.

Disinclined to

Indicates a lack of motivation or desire to do something.

Wary to

Suggests caution and a lack of trust or confidence.

Resistant to

Indicates active opposition or unwillingness to accept something.

Skeptical to

Suggests doubt or disbelief, leading to unwillingness.

Timid to

Implies fear or shyness, causing reluctance.

Against doing something

A more direct way to express opposition or unwillingness.

FAQs

How to use "reluctant to" in a sentence?

You can use "reluctant to" to express hesitation or unwillingness. For example, "She was "reluctant to" accept the job offer because it required moving to a new city."

What can I say instead of "reluctant to"?

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

Which is correct, "reluctant to" or "reluctant of"?

"Reluctant to" is the correct and standard usage. "Reluctant of" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "reluctant to" and "hesitant to"?

While both express a degree of unwillingness, ""reluctant to"" often suggests a deeper seated opposition, whereas "hesitant to" may simply indicate a moment of uncertainty.