trace of hesitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of hesitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight indication or sign that someone is unsure or reluctant about something. Example: "There was a trace of hesitation in her voice when she answered the question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"There has not been the faintest shadow of doubt, not a trace of hesitation of where we stand, nowhere in Sweden," he told Reuters.

The New York Times

Using the sucker, he pried and pushed and shoved continuously, while he used the other tool in between, with no trace of hesitation, without stopping and, seemingly, without thinking.

The New York Times - Magazine

Always a willing subject, Molly's mom presents herself to the camera without a trace of hesitation.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Without a second of hesitation".

The New York Times

We had a lot of hesitation".

The New York Times - Sports

It caused a lot of hesitation.

The Guardian

Eventually, though, came a moment of hesitation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Kusama seems to be incapable of hesitation.

The New York Times - Style

The comma here speaks of hesitation, of doubt.

Independent

But finishing failed the Americans, sometimes merely out of hesitation.

The New York Times - Sports

Gulbranson's moment of hesitation contains a certain explanatory power.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "trace of hesitation", ensure it accurately reflects a subtle or barely perceptible pause or uncertainty. Overusing it can dilute its impact, so reserve it for moments where nuance is key.

Common error

Avoid using "trace of hesitation" when the hesitation is significant or obvious. The phrase implies a very subtle, almost imperceptible reluctance or uncertainty. Using it for a major hesitation would be inaccurate and misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of hesitation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a subtle or minimal indication of doubt or reluctance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English, albeit not very common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trace of hesitation" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a subtle indication of uncertainty or reluctance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, although it's not a very common phrase. While alternatives like "hint of doubt" or "slightest uncertainty" exist, "trace of hesitation" offers a specific nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of hesitation is indeed subtle, as misinterpreting its degree is a common pitfall. It most commonly appears in News & Media, and is suitable for neutral and formal contexts. Be aware that using it when a strong hesitation is present will mislead the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of doubt

Replaces "trace of hesitation" with a more direct indication of doubt.

shade of doubt

Uses "shade" to imply a subtle presence of doubt.

slightest uncertainty

Emphasizes the minimal level of uncertainty present.

iota of reluctance

Emphasizes the minimal quantity of reluctance with "iota".

note of uncertainty

Implies a subtle expression of doubt.

faint reluctance

Focuses on the reluctance aspect rather than uncertainty.

vestige of uncertainty

Uses a more formal term, "vestige", to suggest a lingering sense of uncertainty.

whisper of reluctance

Uses "whisper" to suggest a quiet or subtle expression of reluctance.

suggestion of apprehension

Replaces "hesitation" with a more formal term, "apprehension".

degree of ambivalence

Replaces "hesitation" with a stronger term, "ambivalence", suggesting mixed feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "trace of hesitation" in a sentence?

You can use "trace of hesitation" to describe a subtle indication of uncertainty or reluctance in someone's voice, actions, or demeanor. For example: "There was a "trace of hesitation" in her voice when she answered the question."

What are some alternatives to "trace of hesitation"?

Some alternatives include "hint of doubt", "slightest uncertainty", or "faint reluctance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "trace of hesitation" or "sign of hesitation"?

"Trace of hesitation" implies a more subtle and less obvious indication than "sign of hesitation". The best choice depends on the degree of hesitation you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "trace of hesitation" and "moment of hesitation"?

"Trace of hesitation" refers to a subtle indication of uncertainty, while "moment of hesitation" refers to a brief pause or delay, which might or might not indicate uncertainty.