reluctant to discuss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reluctant to discuss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is unwilling or hesitant to talk about a particular topic or issue. Example: "She was reluctant to discuss her personal life during the interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Many organizations are reluctant to discuss pay.

The New York Times

Banks are reluctant to discuss the case.

The New York Times

Performers are often reluctant to discuss stagefright.

The New Yorker

Down was reluctant to discuss the past.

The New York Times - Sports

The White House was reluctant to discuss Mrs. Obama's trip.

The New York Times

Like Ms. Vrinat, Mr. Terrail is reluctant to discuss Michelin.

The New York Times - Food

Companies are understandably reluctant to discuss their security failures.

The New York Times - Tech

Colleges and speakers' bureaus are reluctant to discuss the arrangements.

The New York Times

Major retailers are reluctant to discuss crime in their stores.

The New York Times

Why might politicians be reluctant to discuss disaster aid? h.

The New York Times

Township officials were reluctant to discuss the situation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reluctant to discuss", consider the underlying reason for the reluctance. Is it due to sensitivity, confidentiality, lack of knowledge, or something else? Clarifying the reason can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is "reluctant to discuss" a topic without offering any insight into why. Providing context, even briefly, makes the statement more meaningful and less vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reluctant to discuss" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a subject's unwillingness or hesitation to engage in conversation about a specific topic. Ludwig examples show its broad applicability across various subjects and individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reluctant to discuss" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate someone's unwillingness or hesitation to talk about a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most often in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider providing context for the reluctance to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "hesitant to discuss" and "unwilling to discuss" can offer nuanced variations. By understanding its usage and potential substitutes, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant to discuss

Replaces "reluctant" with "hesitant", suggesting a similar level of unwillingness but perhaps with more uncertainty.

unwilling to discuss

Uses "unwilling" instead of "reluctant", indicating a stronger degree of resistance or refusal.

disinclined to discuss

Employs "disinclined", which suggests a lack of enthusiasm or motivation to engage in the discussion.

averse to discussing

Replaces "reluctant" with "averse", indicating a feeling of distaste or opposition to discussing something.

avoid discussing

Focuses on the act of avoidance, implying a deliberate effort to steer clear of the topic.

shy away from discussing

Suggests a timid or apprehensive approach to the topic, avoiding it due to discomfort.

loath to discuss

Uses "loath", expressing strong disinclination or aversion.

reticent to discuss

Replaces "reluctant" with "reticent", highlighting a tendency to be reserved or restrained in communication.

circumspect about discussing

Emphasizes caution and wariness in approaching the topic, suggesting sensitivity or potential consequences.

guarded in discussing

Highlights a protective or defensive approach to the discussion, suggesting a desire to conceal information.

FAQs

What does "reluctant to discuss" mean?

The phrase "reluctant to discuss" means someone is unwilling or hesitant to talk about a particular topic, often due to sensitivity, privacy, or lack of knowledge.

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

You can use "reluctant to discuss" to describe someone's unwillingness to talk about something, like: "The company was "unwilling to discuss" the details of the settlement."

What are some alternatives to "reluctant to discuss"?

Alternatives include "hesitant to discuss", "unwilling to discuss", or "disinclined to discuss", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "reluctant to discuss" or "reluctant to talk about"?

Both "reluctant to discuss" and "reluctant to talk about" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Reluctant to discuss" may sound slightly more formal.