she was hesitant

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the attitude of someone who is unnaturally hesitant or uncertain about doing something. For example, "She was hesitant to speak in public for the first time, but eventually mustered up the courage to do so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dantzler said she was hesitant to accept the apology.

The New York Times - Sports

"When I spoke with her, she was hesitant.

The New York Times

If she was hesitant, her children's preschool was "disgusted," she said.

The New York Times

After learning of the assault, she said she was hesitant to return.

The New York Times

Initially she was hesitant: there was the language barrier, and also her shaky health.

The New York Times - Books

At first, she was hesitant about dating a man with a child.

The New York Times

"My mom has openly said she was hesitant to have him run again.

The New York Times

Ms. Eaton said she was hesitant to discuss the issue because it was so contentious.

The New York Times

Antwoine's mother, Odessa Brown, 43, said she was hesitant to allow her son out that late.

The New York Times

The gender switch might well have worked, but she was hesitant and seemed under-rehearsed.

The Guardian - Film

She was hesitant to disclose an exact number of members, worried it might draw unwanted attention to the operation.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "she was hesitant", ensure the context clearly explains the reason for her hesitation to provide a complete understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "she was hesitant" without providing any context or reason for her hesitation. This can leave the reader wondering why she felt that way and make the sentence less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was hesitant" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a state of reluctance or uncertainty in a female subject. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she was hesitant" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a female individual felt some reluctance or uncertainty in a particular situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. When employing this phrase, it is best practice to provide adequate context, explaining the reasons behind the hesitation, to ensure clarity for the reader. While alternatives like "she was reluctant" or "she was doubtful" exist, "she was hesitant" offers a versatile and widely accepted option for conveying this specific sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was reluctant

Similar in meaning but implies a stronger unwillingness.

she was doubtful

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of conviction.

she was uncertain

Highlights a lack of sureness or confidence.

she was cautious

Emphasizes a careful and wary approach.

she was apprehensive

Suggests anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

she was wary

Implies a degree of suspicion or distrust.

she had misgivings

Focuses on feelings of doubt or unease.

she demurred

A more formal way of saying she objected or hesitated.

she felt unease

Expresses a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

she had second thoughts

Implies a reconsideration leading to doubt.

FAQs

What does "she was hesitant" mean?

The phrase "she was hesitant" means that a female person showed reluctance, doubt, or uncertainty about doing something. It implies a pause or a delay in action due to these feelings.

How to use "she was hesitant" in a sentence?

You can use "she was hesitant" to describe someone's initial reluctance before taking action, for example: "She was hesitant to accept the job offer because it required relocating to a new city."

What can I say instead of "she was hesitant"?

You can use alternatives like "she was reluctant", "she was doubtful", or "she was uncertain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "she is hesitant" instead of "she was hesitant"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "She is hesitant" describes her current state, while "she was hesitant" describes her state in the past. The choice depends on the time frame you're referring to.