still hesitating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still hesitating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is uncertain or indecisive about a decision or action, indicating that they have not yet made up their mind. Example: "Despite the time that has passed, she is still hesitating about whether to accept the job offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

I'm still hesitating.

The New York Times - Travel

"The rest are still hesitating".

The New York Times

"I know that," his friend yelled back, still hesitating.

The New York Times

Coaches think he is still hesitating because he is thinking too much.

The New York Times - Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Companies are still hesitating to increase hiring, even as more evidence emerges that the economy is slowly improving.

The New York Times

But he is still hesitating, he said, because of concerns that, if victorious, he would miss out on family life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Yasmin still hesitated.

The New Yorker

But the magistrates may still hesitate to question Mr Chirac.

The Economist

When pediatricians recommend the vaccine, many parents still hesitate.

The New York Times - Health

The Urban League, the other main black group, still hesitates to endorse vouchers officially.

The Economist

After hundreds of introspective interviews, Dr. Hurlburt still hesitates to generalize from his findings.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "still hesitating", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is hesitating about. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "still hesitating" when a past action has already resolved the hesitation. Use a past tense verb to describe the completed action instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still hesitating" functions primarily as a progressive verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of hesitating. This suggests a continuous state of indecision or reluctance to proceed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "still hesitating" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an ongoing state of indecision or reluctance. Ludwig AI underlines that its primary function is to convey that someone is delaying a decision or action, typically due to uncertainty or doubt. While the expression is generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Remember to ensure that the context clarifies what the subject is hesitating about, and avoid using the phrase if the hesitation has already been resolved. Alternatives such as "remaining indecisive" or "yet to commit" can provide slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining indecisive

Focuses on the continued state of indecision.

lingering in doubt

Highlights the persistence of uncertainty.

continuing to waver

Emphasizes the back-and-forth nature of the hesitation.

prolonging the delay

Shifts focus to the extended timeframe of the hesitation.

yet to commit

Highlights the absence of a firm decision.

undecided as yet

A formal way to emphasize the indecision is ongoing.

on the fence

An idiomatic expression indicating a neutral or undecided position.

drawing back

Emphasizes the action of refraining from doing something.

taking one's time

Focuses on the act of not rushing into a decision.

unsure for now

Highlights the temporary state of uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "still hesitating" in a sentence?

You can use "still hesitating" to describe someone who is undecided about a decision. For example: "Despite the evidence, he is "still hesitating" to invest."

What are some alternatives to "still hesitating"?

Alternatives include "remaining indecisive", "lingering in doubt", or "yet to commit", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "still hesitating" or "still hesitated"?

"Still hesitating" is used for an ongoing state of uncertainty, while "still hesitated" is grammatically incorrect. You might use "still hesitant" instead, if referring to the state of being hesitant, or "was still hesitating" to refer to the past.

What's the difference between "still hesitating" and "still reluctant"?

"Still hesitating" implies a delay or pause due to uncertainty, while "still reluctant" indicates an unwillingness to do something. One implies indecision, the other aversion. You may be "still reluctant" to do something even if you are not actively hesitating.