to express reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to express reservations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate doubt or concern about a particular situation, decision, or proposal. Example: "During the meeting, she took a moment to express reservations about the proposed budget cuts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Even some cosmologists have begun to express reservations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, they tend to express reservations about "female supremacy" or "man-hating".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leaders continued to express reservations about being drawn into the conflict in any way.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Bredesen of Tennessee became the first Democratic governor to express reservations on the issue.

The New York Times

Marginalising and hounding those who have the audacity to express reservations about the frequently flawed judgment of senior executives?

The Guardian - Business

After he read the charge, Justice Teresi gave lawyers on both sides a chance to express reservations about the instructions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It's more common, though, to hear people express reservations.

The New York Times

The survey found that as voters start to form detailed impressions of the candidates, even those who say they intend to back Mr. Bush express reservations about his preparedness.

The New York Times

Plenty of times I've heard women express reservations to me about playing because they "aren't good enough".

Vice

However, some residents who live along the routes that are about to switch to monthly collections expressed reservations to BBC Radio Ulster.

BBC

Some Justice Department lawyers are said to have expressed reservations about the proposal to make quick decisions about bringing charges, fearing that such a move would force the government to show its hand, disclosing evidence in a case in which investigators have already been forced to move more quickly than they had hoped because news organizations became aware of the inquiry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to express reservations" when you want to politely convey doubt or disagreement without being overly confrontational. It's suitable for formal settings and professional communications.

Common error

Avoid overly passive constructions when using "to express reservations". Instead of saying "Reservations were expressed by the team", opt for "The team expressed reservations" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to express reservations" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in conveying doubts or concerns in a polite and formal manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to express reservations" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for politely conveying doubts or concerns. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal business settings. When aiming for clear and polite communication, consider using this phrase to introduce disagreement without being overly confrontational. Remember to maintain a direct tone by avoiding excessive passive voice. Alternative phrases such as "to voice concerns" or "to raise objections" can provide similar meaning while varying your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to voice concerns

Emphasizes the act of speaking out about worries or doubts, focusing on the verbal expression of concern.

to raise objections

Highlights the act of formally disagreeing or protesting, often in a structured or official setting.

to harbor doubts

Focuses on the internal state of uncertainty or skepticism, rather than the outward expression.

to feel apprehensive

Indicates a sense of anxiety or unease about a future event or decision.

to question the validity

Directly challenges the truth or accuracy of something, implying a deeper level of scrutiny.

to disagree with

A straightforward expression of opposition or non-agreement.

to show reluctance

Indicates a willingness to do something, often with some resistance or hesitation.

to hesitate to endorse

Suggests a pause or unwillingness to fully support or approve something.

to remain unconvinced

Expresses that one is not persuaded or convinced by an argument or proposal.

to have misgivings about

Indicates feelings of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

FAQs

How can I use "to express reservations" in a sentence?

You can use "to express reservations" to politely introduce doubts or concerns about a plan, idea, or statement. For example, "Several board members wanted "to express reservations" about the proposed marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "to express reservations"?

Alternatives include "to voice concerns", "to raise objections", or "to harbor doubts". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "to express reservations" or "to voice concerns" in a formal setting?

"To express reservations" and "to voice concerns" are both suitable for formal settings. "To express reservations" tends to be slightly more formal and indirect, while "to voice concerns" is a bit more direct.

What's the difference between "to express reservations" and "to disagree with"?

"To express reservations" implies a more cautious or hesitant disagreement, suggesting concerns that need addressing. "To disagree with" is a more direct and potentially stronger statement of opposition.