reluctant to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reluctant to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is hesitant or unwilling to provide an explanation or clarification about something. Example: "She was reluctant to explain her decision, fearing it might lead to further questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Finlay is reluctant to explain.

The Guardian - Arts

Artists are notoriously reluctant to explain the meaning of their work.

Independent

The people who answered the door were reluctant to explain their circumstances in any detail.

The New York Times

Hackworth has been reluctant to use either player and even more reluctant to explain why.

The Guardian - Sport

Jane was very reluctant to explain how she worked – her favourite mantra was "photographers should neither be seen nor heard".

The Guardian - Arts

They are reluctant to explain what is actually needed to phase out our need for fossil fuels.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Lynn and other researchers were reluctant to try to explain the tipping variations from one Zip Code to the next.

The New Yorker

After Mulder's abduction at the hands of aliens in the seventh season finale "Requiem", Scully becomes a "reluctant believer" who manages to explain the paranormal with science.

Wikipedia

I have, nonetheless, developed a hypothesis to explain my reluctant recollecting.

The Guardian - Music

A self-evident argument, which can be used to explain this reluctant point of view towards Foresight is the preference (among CEE-based businesses) given to product and process technological innovations as opposed to organisational innovations [7].

European Journal of Futures Research

Why the little auk females are so reluctant to EPCs is difficult to explain.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reluctant to explain", ensure the context clearly indicates why the subject is hesitant. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reluctant to explain" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "hesitant to clarify" or "unwilling to elaborate" to maintain reader engagement and writing quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reluctant to explain" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the subject's state of being unwilling or hesitant to provide an explanation. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reluctant to explain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a subject's unwillingness or hesitation to provide an explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows for usage across various contexts, although it's particularly prevalent in news and media. When writing, remember to consider synonyms like "hesitant to clarify" or "unwilling to elaborate" to enhance the writing style. To ensure clarity and prevent redundancy, context matters. Therefore, it is always essential to ensure that the writing maintains flow and engages the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant to clarify

Emphasizes the act of making something clearer, differing slightly in focus from explaining the initial point.

unwilling to elaborate

Focuses on a refusal to add more details, suggesting a desire to keep the explanation brief or incomplete.

disinclined to discuss

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm for engaging in a conversation about the topic.

averse to detailing

Highlights a strong feeling of opposition toward providing specific details.

guarded in revealing

Suggests a cautious approach to sharing information, often due to sensitivity or secrecy.

reticent to disclose

Implies a deliberate withholding of information, often due to personal reasons or confidentiality.

circumspect about divulging

Emphasizes careful consideration before revealing information, indicating a concern for potential consequences.

chary of specifying

Highlights a cautious approach to providing specific details, suggesting a concern for accuracy or potential misinterpretation.

demurring from clarifying

Indicates a polite refusal to provide further clarification, often due to disagreement or discomfort.

evasive when questioned

Suggests an attempt to avoid answering questions directly, often due to a desire to conceal information.

FAQs

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

You can use "reluctant to explain" to describe someone's hesitation or unwillingness to provide details about something. For example, "The witness was "reluctant to explain" what she saw that night."

What are some alternatives to "reluctant to explain"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "reluctant to explain"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Reluctant" is an adjective describing a state of unwillingness, and "to explain" is an infinitive phrase indicating the action the subject is unwilling to perform.

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

While both phrases convey a sense of unwillingness, "reluctant" suggests a stronger disinclination or aversion, whereas "hesitant" implies a more tentative or uncertain approach. Both "reluctant to explain" and "hesitant to explain" are valid.