reticent about

USAGE SUMMARY

"reticent about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is reluctant to discuss or disclose something. Example: "My friend was reticent about his new job and didn't give me any details about the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Farahi remains reticent about some things.

The New York Times

Neither was she reticent about pattern.

The New York Times

She isn't reticent about cooking with garlic.

The New Yorker

Natascha has been reticent about her ordeal.

The Guardian - Books

But they were reticent about Richards.

The Guardian

Greenblatt is reticent about his first marriage.

The Guardian - Books

She was also reticent about her marriage.

The New York Times - Books

No Drama Obama is reticent about displays of emotion.

The New York Times

Felix sounded much more reticent about another double.

The New York Times - Sports

Chinese officials are reticent about the new museum.

The New York Times

The man was similarly reticent about his life and work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reticent about" when you want to convey a sense of reluctance or unwillingness to speak openly about something, often due to personal feelings or sensitivity. Ensure the context clearly indicates the topic the person is reluctant to discuss.

Common error

Avoid using "reticent about" when the intended meaning is simply a lack of knowledge or information. Reticence implies a conscious decision to withhold information, not just an absence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reticent about" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's reluctance to speak freely about a particular subject. Ludwig AI affirms that the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it describing individuals, organizations, and even international law.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reticent about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes someone's unwillingness to speak freely on a particular topic. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's important to use the phrase accurately, understanding that it implies a conscious decision to withhold information rather than a simple lack of knowledge. While versatile across registers, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When in doubt, related phrases like "hesitant to discuss" or "reluctant to disclose" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant to discuss

Focuses on the act of discussing rather than a general reluctance.

reluctant to disclose

Emphasizes the unwillingness to reveal information.

guarded regarding

Implies a cautious or defensive approach to a topic.

reserved concerning

Suggests a more formal and controlled manner of withholding information.

uncommunicative about

Highlights the lack of communication on a specific subject.

tight-lipped about

Indicates a deliberate refusal to speak about something.

secretive concerning

Implies an intention to keep something hidden or private.

circumspect with regard to

Emphasizes careful consideration and discretion in what is said.

cagey about

Suggests a cunning or evasive manner when avoiding a topic.

evasive regarding

Indicates an indirect or ambiguous way of avoiding a direct answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "reticent about" to describe someone who is unwilling to speak freely about a particular topic. For example, "She was "reticent about" her past experiences."

What's a good alternative to "reticent about"?

Alternatives include "hesitant to discuss", "reluctant to disclose", or "guarded regarding", depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to use "reticent about" or "reluctant to"?

"Reticent about" specifically implies an unwillingness to speak, whereas "reluctant to" is more general and can apply to any action. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the silence or the overall unwillingness.

What does "reticent about" imply beyond simple reluctance?

"Reticent about" often suggests a deeper reason for the reluctance, such as privacy concerns, embarrassment, or a desire to avoid conflict. It indicates a deliberate holding back of information.