serious misgiving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious misgiving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong feeling of doubt or concern about something. Example: "Despite the team's enthusiasm, I have serious misgiving about the project's feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

[n8] However insidious and demoralizing may be the actual experience of statelessness, its contemplation in advance seems unlikely to invoke serious misgiving, for none of us yet knows its ramifications.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

AFTER 15 strokes, I had serious misgivings.

The New York Times - Travel

He also revealed serious misgivings about the euro project itself.

The Guardian - Business

"There were a dozen MPs with serious misgivings," Pugh said.

The Guardian

The nameless narrator of "HHhH" has serious misgivings about the novel he is writing.

The New York Times - Books

"I have serious misgivings about asking the courts to fix this through lawsuits," Mr. Olson said.

The New York Times

I was told that many Special Operations officers also have serious misgivings.

The New Yorker

" Only in November 2005 did she express the serious misgivings long pervasive in her own party.

The New York Times

On Tuesday, Republican senators indicated they were having serious misgivings about Mr. Cain's nomination.

The New York Times

I have to confess that I have serious misgivings about this prize.

The Guardian - Books

Diskin said he still had serious misgivings about allowing his agents to testify in open court.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious misgiving" to express significant doubt or concern about a particular situation or decision. It conveys a stronger sense of unease than simply saying "doubts" or "concerns".

Common error

While "serious misgiving" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "concerns" or "doubts" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious misgiving" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It is used to express a notable feeling of doubt or apprehension, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serious misgiving" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a strong sense of doubt or concern. It appears most often in news and media contexts, as well as in academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While alternatives like "grave reservations" or "deep apprehension" exist, "serious misgiving" effectively communicates notable unease in various situations. Remember to use this phrase when you wish to strongly emphasize your reservations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major misgivings

Highlights the extent and importance of the misgivings.

grave reservations

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the doubts.

profound doubts

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the doubt.

deep apprehension

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or fear about what might happen.

significant reservations

Stresses the importance and weight of the doubts.

considerable doubt

Highlights the significant level of uncertainty.

strong concerns

Emphasizes worry and unease about a situation.

apprehension

Similar to unease, but often implies a more specific worry.

qualms

Suggests moral or ethical doubts.

unease

A milder term indicating discomfort or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "serious misgiving" in a sentence?

You can use "serious misgiving" to express strong doubts or concerns about something. For example, "I have "serious misgivings" about this plan."

What are some alternatives to "serious misgiving"?

Alternatives include "grave reservations", "deep apprehension", or "considerable doubt".

Is "serious misgivings" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "serious misgiving". "Misgiving" is typically used as a singular noun, even when referring to multiple concerns.

When is it appropriate to use "serious misgiving" over simpler terms like "concerns" or "doubts"?

"Serious misgiving" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the intensity and significance of your doubts. It's suitable for formal writing and discussions where a strong expression of concern is warranted.