reserved about

USAGE SUMMARY

"reserved about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It's typically used to convey that someone has a cautious or guarded attitude towards something. For example: "He was reserved about his plans for the future, so I couldn't get a clear answer out of him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Officer Rhatigan was reserved about his role.

The New York Times

But I've been reserved about it.

The Guardian - Music

Only Armstrong is still reserved about the outcome.

The New York Times - Sports

There is nothing careful or reserved about Cuckoo Song.

The Guardian - Books

As of Tuesday afternoon, the campaign had reserved about $1.1 million in commercial time.

The New York Times

But he said some Asean members, like Singapore, were "more reserved" about the G-20.

The New York Times

Usually reserved about the future, he appeared at ease Saturday as he discussed his team's goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Do not be offended if a German appears reserved about his or her private life.

The Economist

Mr. Jansch remained reserved about describing his style and how it evolved.

The New York Times

"They're very reserved about government and law enforcement," Mr. Campana said.

The New York Times

Will the technology revolutionise teaching or are, like Jason Gilbert, more reserved about the results?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "reticent about" or "guarded about" to add nuance or variety to your writing, depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "reserved about" in highly informal contexts where a more casual term like "secretive" or "quiet" might be more appropriate. "Reserved about" carries a slightly more formal tone and is better suited for professional or neutral settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reserved about" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's attitude or demeanor. It indicates a state of caution, discretion, or unwillingness to fully express oneself. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase used across different contexts, always describing someone's behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reserved about" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a cautious or guarded attitude. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and wiki articles. It functions as an adjectival phrase, indicating a reluctance to fully express oneself, and conveys a neutral to formal tone. While similar phrases like "reticent about" or "guarded about" exist, "reserved about" offers a unique shade of meaning, emphasizing discretion and restraint. When using this phrase, clarity and context are key to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reticent about

Implies a reluctance to speak freely, often due to discretion or shyness; emphasizes the withholding of information.

guarded about

Suggests a cautious and protective attitude, often stemming from a fear of vulnerability or exposure.

cautious about

Highlights a careful and hesitant approach, indicating a desire to avoid risks or mistakes.

circumspect about

Emphasizes prudence and careful consideration, especially in order to avoid potential problems or offense.

hesitant about

Indicates a delay or pause due to uncertainty or reluctance.

wary of

Implies suspicion or distrust, suggesting a need for vigilance and caution.

discreet about

Highlights the maintenance of privacy and confidentiality, often to avoid embarrassment or unwanted attention.

guardedly optimistic about

Suggests optimism tempered with caution, acknowledging potential risks or uncertainties.

noncommittal about

Indicates an unwillingness to express a definite opinion or make a firm commitment.

unforthcoming about

Suggests a reluctance to provide information or share details, often due to privacy or secrecy.

FAQs

How can I use "reserved about" in a sentence?

You can use "reserved about" to describe someone's cautious or guarded attitude towards a topic. For example, "He was "reserved about" his future plans."

What are some alternatives to "reserved about"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "reticent about", "guarded about", or "cautious about".

Is it better to say "reserved about" or "reservation about"?

"Reserved about" describes someone's demeanor, while "reservation about" expresses a doubt or concern. For instance, "He was "reserved about" the project" versus "I have a "reservation about" the project's feasibility."

What's the difference between "reserved about" and "secretive about"?

"Reserved about" suggests caution or discretion, while "secretive about" implies a deliberate attempt to conceal information. Someone who is "reserved about" something might simply be cautious, whereas someone "secretive about" it is intentionally hiding it.