significant hesitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant hesitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable or considerable pause or reluctance in decision-making or action. Example: "There was significant hesitation among the team members before they agreed to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, the absence of a clear phenotype for mutants in Yen1/GEN1 as well as the abundance of DNA junction-selective nucleases cause significant hesitation to accept the traditional HJ-based model using the RuvC paradigm (Figs.  1 and 2).

Chromosoma

During the retention trial 24 hr after shock presentation, ANOVA [ F 7,63) = 12.174, p < 0.001] and multiple comparisons revealed that the subjects showed significant hesitation (p < 0.01) to enter the dark compartment compared with the short latency during shock presentation in all of the experimental groups.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Whilst guidelines suggest insulin should be initiated if an HbA1c level of ≤7.5%% (58 mmol/mol) cannot be maintained by using oral medication alone [ 21], there is often significant hesitation on the part of the physician to introduce such therapy [ 4, 5, 10, 12].

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But his account is supported by other leaders who make clear that the intelligence available on police moves -- and hesitations -- was significant by the time a huge crowd converged on central Belgrade.

The New York Times

The couple's introduction came only after great hesitation by Ms. Levine and some significant resistance, for wholly different reasons, from Mr. Ullmann as well.

The New York Times

Possession of a car and hesitation to call an ambulance had significant negative effects in Scenario 1 (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively).

BMC Health Services Research

Although showing signs of occasional hesitation, McClellan quickly won three small but significant battles: on June 3 at Philippi, on July 11 at Rich Mountain, and on July 13 at Carrick's (or Corrick's) Ford (all now in West Virginia).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has no hesitation in saying his life's most significant contribution was not his books but his work as deputy head of the office of price administration, one of the most interventionist departments in the history of American government.

The Guardian

"I want to replace a significant portion of the American electrical grid," he replied, without hesitation.

The New Yorker

"I want to replace a significant portion of the American electrical grid,'' he replied, without hesitation.

The New Yorker

But her hesitation is a reminder that there is still a significant amount that's the same as in 1991.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "significant hesitation" to convey a strong sense of reluctance or uncertainty, indicating that the hesitation is not minor or easily dismissed.

Common error

Avoid using "significant hesitation" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "a bit hesitant" or "slight pause" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant hesitation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "hesitation". It describes a notable degree of pausing or reluctance before an action or decision. Ludwig AI examples show its use in diverse contexts such as science, news, and personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant hesitation" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English used to describe a notable reluctance or pause. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across various contexts, although it's more common in formal settings such as science and news media. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "considerable reluctance" or "noticeable uncertainty" to convey similar meanings. However, avoid overusing "significant hesitation" in very informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable reluctance

Replaces "hesitation" with "reluctance", emphasizing unwillingness.

great reluctance

Uses "great" instead of "significant" for emphasis.

noticeable uncertainty

Focuses on the uncertainty aspect rather than the pause.

marked reservation

Highlights a distinct feeling of doubt or disapproval.

pronounced doubt

Emphasizes the clear and distinct nature of the doubt.

substantial pause

Shifts focus to the delay rather than the underlying feeling.

strong misgiving

Indicates a feeling of apprehension or unease.

serious qualm

Suggests a more profound moral or ethical concern.

appreciable delay

Highlights a delay that is large enough to be noticed or considered important.

intense wavering

Replaces "hesitation" with "wavering", indicating indecisiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "significant hesitation" in a sentence?

You can use "significant hesitation" to describe a clear and noticeable reluctance or pause before taking action. For example: "There was a "significant hesitation" before he accepted the offer."

What's the difference between "significant hesitation" and "minor hesitation"?

"Significant hesitation" indicates a strong and noticeable reluctance, while "minor hesitation" suggests a slight and less important pause or reluctance.

What can I say instead of "significant hesitation"?

Alternatives include "considerable reluctance", "noticeable uncertainty", or "marked reservation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "significant hesitation" a formal or informal phrase?

"Significant hesitation" is generally considered a more formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.