substantial misgivings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial misgivings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing significant doubts or concerns about a situation or decision. Example: "Despite the promising results, the committee had substantial misgivings about the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Higgs has substantial misgivings about the impact his global fame will now have.

The Guardian

Roe was decided in 1973, just as Ginsburg was regularly bringing cases before the Justices, and although she supported abortion rights, she had substantial misgivings about how the Court decided Roe v. Wade.

The New Yorker

But those emotions dovetail with national polls showing that while there is widespread general support for combating terrorism, there are also substantial misgivings about the war in Iraq and skepticism that Mr. Hussein's capture will make a difference.

The New York Times

Above all, the extensive and sometimes objectively groundless number of exceptions for industry from the financing of the expansion of renewable energy by all the consumers of electricity meets with substantial misgivings [[21],[22]] and has become the object of European proceedings for inappropriate state aid (see the following section) [[23]].

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

While a substantial number of Fine Gael members have misgivings about the suicide clause, Mr. Kenny has ruled out a free vote on the bill, which Parliament is expected to enact before the summer recess.

The New York Times

Josh had misgivings.

The New Yorker

But misgivings soon developed.

The New York Times

I understood their misgivings.

The New York Times

But others have misgivings.

The Economist

Misgivings gave way to outrage.

The New Yorker

Austria has already expressed misgivings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial misgivings" when you want to convey that your concerns are not trivial but significant and well-founded. It suggests a thoughtful consideration of potential downsides.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial misgivings" when a milder term like "minor reservations" would suffice. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial misgivings" functions as a noun phrase, with "substantial" modifying the noun "misgivings". It typically expresses a significant level of doubt or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial misgivings" is a phrase used to express significant doubts or concerns, primarily in neutral to formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for conveying noteworthy reservations. While relatively rare, its usage is prominent in news and media, as well as scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the seriousness of the concerns and avoid overstating the situation. Alternatives include "significant reservations" and "serious concerns", but the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong misgivings

Similar to the original phrase but places emphasis on the strength of the feeling.

significant reservations

Emphasizes formal doubts or objections, often in a professional or official context.

considerable doubts

Highlights the extent or degree of doubt, suggesting a notable lack of certainty.

serious concerns

Focuses on the worrying aspects of a situation, indicating potential negative consequences.

grave apprehensions

Conveys a sense of impending danger or misfortune, highlighting a more severe form of worry.

deep reservations

Suggests a profound level of doubt or unease, indicating strong objections or hesitations.

notable qualms

Emphasizes moral or ethical concerns, suggesting unease about the rightness of something.

marked anxieties

Focuses on the state of worry or nervousness, highlighting emotional distress.

pronounced hesitations

Highlights the act of pausing or delaying due to uncertainty or reluctance.

major skepticism

Emphasizes a doubting or questioning attitude, suggesting disbelief or distrust.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial misgivings" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial misgivings" to express significant doubts or concerns about a situation or decision. For instance, "Despite the promising results, the committee had "substantial misgivings" about the proposed changes to the policy".

What are some alternatives to saying "substantial misgivings"?

Alternatives include "significant reservations", "considerable doubts", or "serious concerns", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "substantial misgivings" or "strong misgivings"?

Both are acceptable, but ""substantial misgivings"" suggests a well-reasoned basis for concern, while "strong misgivings" simply emphasizes the intensity of the feeling.

When is it inappropriate to use "substantial misgivings"?

It may be inappropriate if your concerns are minor or based on trivial matters. A less forceful phrase like "slight reservations" would be more suitable in such cases.