small hesitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small hesitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief pause or moment of uncertainty in speech or action. Example: "There was a small hesitation before she answered the question, indicating she was unsure of her response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

After a small hesitation, the guy said yes.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A steering wheel would pick up incipient Parkinson's through small hesitations and tremors.

The New Yorker

An entire routine, and the hopes of a whole country, can be undone by the tiniest delay, the smallest hesitation.

The New Yorker

Then, without the smallest hesitation he would follow the Yeti to the bathroom.

Vice

And when money is thrown at these small countries, it seems that they have little hesitation in giving control of their namespace to a relatively unknown speculator.

TechCrunch

I never understand small business owners' hesitations when looking at new technology, platforms, and ways of communicating.

Huffington Post

David Keator, whose family's wealth advisory, the Keator Group, is located one town over, said the primary issue was not the decline in the value of their businesses — though the values have fallen, like those of most other small businesses — but banks' hesitation to lend money.

The New York Times

The Perkville Co-founders told me that they've been seeing low adoption among merchants using mobile solutions, QR code solutions, Shopkick, etc., because they all require downloading an app, scanning, holding a card next to some wonky device — and that this type of friction leads to concern, skepticism, and hesitation from small, local merchants.

TechCrunch

I would watch her as she walked through her garden, pulling weeds, killing bugs and small rodents with no hesitation, tending to her favorite rose bushes, dirt caked under her nails, a sense of immense satisfaction on her face.

Huffington Post

I recommend it without hesitation, despite the small fact of not having experienced it directly.

The Guardian - Travel

Joseph Wu, the head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, says that after initial hesitation, restrictions on small screens are now likely to be eased.For all the push to the mainland, businesses still prefer to keep their latest technologies and cutting-edge R&D in Taiwan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small hesitation" to subtly indicate uncertainty or reluctance without overemphasizing it. It's ideal for describing a character's internal conflict or a speaker's careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple qualifiers (e.g., "very small hesitation") as it can sound redundant. Choose the single word or phrase that best conveys the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small hesitation" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes a brief pause or moment of uncertainty. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small hesitation" effectively conveys a brief moment of uncertainty or reluctance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While not a very common phrase, its precise meaning allows it to subtly indicate a character's internal thoughts or a speaker's careful consideration. When using "small hesitation", avoid redundant qualifiers and be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to impart, and be cautious about the specific nuance you want to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight pause

Focuses on the brevity of the interruption, without necessarily implying uncertainty.

brief pause

Similar to "slight pause", highlighting the short duration of the interruption.

momentary delay

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the hesitation as a brief postponement.

fleeting uncertainty

Captures the brief nature of the doubt or lack of confidence.

minor reluctance

Highlights the unwillingness or disinclination involved, though to a small degree.

short demurral

Implies a brief objection or disagreement.

little wavering

Suggests a slight instability or indecision.

passing doubt

Focuses on the temporary nature of the uncertainty.

split-second pause

Highlights the extremely short duration of the pause.

hesitancy

A more general term for a pause or reluctance, without specifying the degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "small hesitation" to describe a brief pause before someone speaks or acts, suggesting a moment of uncertainty or reluctance. For example, "There was a "small hesitation" before she answered the question".

What's the difference between "small hesitation" and "slight pause"?

"Small hesitation" implies uncertainty or reluctance, while "slight pause" simply refers to a brief interruption in speech or action without necessarily implying any doubt.

What are some alternatives to "small hesitation"?

Alternatives include "brief pause", "momentary delay", or "fleeting uncertainty", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a very small hesitation"?

While grammatically correct, "a very small hesitation" can sound redundant. It's often more effective to use ""small hesitation"" alone or choose a more precise alternative that conveys the degree of hesitancy you want to show.