reluctant to join

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reluctant to join" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is hesitant or unwilling to become part of a group, organization, or activity. Example: "Despite the team's enthusiasm, she was reluctant to join the project due to her previous commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The narrator is reluctant to join in.

The Guardian - Books

Why are so many Americans reluctant to join the party?

The New York Times

"She was quite reluctant to join," Ms. Escobar said.

The New York Times

He was reluctant to join, and his father sensed it.

The New York Times - Health

For years, competing global powers have been reluctant to join forces against global terror.

Independent

So far, Ms. Merkel's government has appeared reluctant to join the governors' effort.

The New York Times

But some Democrats are reluctant to join in on the criticism of his record.

The New York Times

Reluctant to join any political party, he wisely opted for the position of an independent politician.

The Guardian

She was quiet and reserved, reluctant to join in the rituals.

The New Yorker

American firms are reportedly reluctant to join any industry accord that creates legally binding objectives.

The Guardian - Business

But some Asian countries have been reluctant to join in sanctions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, consider specifying the degree of reluctance. For example, use adverbs like "slightly", "initially", or "completely" to modify "reluctant".

Common error

Avoid using "reluctant to join" when a stronger term like "refuse" or "oppose" is more appropriate. "Reluctant" implies hesitation, not outright rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reluctant to join" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in describing a state of hesitation or unwillingness. It modifies a subject by indicating their attitude toward becoming a member of or participating in something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reluctant to join" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a sense of hesitation or unwillingness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure the reason for the reluctance is clear and that the level of hesitation is accurately represented. Consider alternatives like "hesitant to participate" or "unwilling to engage" to add nuance. Avoiding stronger terms like "refuse" when mere hesitation is intended will prevent misrepresentation. Overall, "reluctant to join" is a versatile and reliable phrase for expressing reservation in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant to participate

Replaces "join" with the more general term "participate", emphasizing a broader range of involvement.

unwilling to engage

Substitutes "reluctant" with "unwilling" and "join" with "engage", suggesting a stronger disinclination.

disinclined to get involved

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "reluctant" with "disinclined" and "join" with "get involved".

apprehensive about participating

Highlights a sense of anxiety or fear associated with participating.

averse to becoming a member

Focuses specifically on membership, offering a narrower application compared to the original phrase.

uneager to collaborate

Specifically addresses collaboration, suitable for contexts involving teamwork or joint efforts.

hesitant about involvement

Shifts the focus to the abstract concept of "involvement" rather than the concrete action of joining.

not inclined to partake

Uses more formal and somewhat archaic language, suggesting a polite refusal to participate.

loath to associate with

Emphasizes a feeling of disgust or intense aversion towards associating with a group or activity.

resistant to affiliation

Implies a stronger opposition, suggesting active resistance rather than mere reluctance.

FAQs

What does "reluctant to join" mean?

The phrase "reluctant to join" describes someone who is hesitant or unwilling to become part of a group, organization, or activity. It suggests a degree of unwillingness without outright refusal.

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

You might say, "Despite the team's enthusiasm, she was "reluctant to join" the project due to her previous commitments."

What are some alternatives to "reluctant to join"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "hesitant to participate", "unwilling to engage", or "disinclined to get involved".

Is it correct to say "reluctant to joining"?

No, the correct form is "reluctant to join". "Join" should be in its base form after the "to".