was averse to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was averse to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong dislike or reluctance towards something. Example: "She was averse to the idea of moving to a new city for work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mr. Hock was averse to renting.

The New York Times

Not that he was averse to sharing his spotlight.

The New York Times - Arts

But Woods was averse to loud and cocky players.

The New York Times

Not that Robson was averse to change or innovation.

The Guardian - Sport

According to Violet, Shepherd was "averse to making himself known.

The Guardian - Books

That should not suggest that Mr. Sollscher was averse to speediness.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The first step is to stop being averse to your aversion!

HuffPost

They are averse to cheating.

The New York Times - Sports

Other Chinese companies are averse to publicity.

The New York Times

• Epstein is averse to believing in curses.

The New York Times - Sports

Such stark portrayals are averse to vanity.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use synonyms like "reluctant to" or "disinclined towards" to add variety to your writing, especially if you're using the phrase frequently.

Common error

Avoid using "was averse to" in situations where a mild dislike or preference is intended. The phrase implies a strong feeling of opposition or dislike; consider using milder alternatives like "preferred not to" or "was not inclined to" for less intense feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was averse to" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject by expressing a strong dislike or disinclination. This aligns with Ludwig AI’s analysis and examples of its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was averse to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a strong dislike or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage, especially within news, academic and encyclopedic contexts. While direct, remember to consider alternative word choices such as "reluctant to", "disinclined towards" or "opposed to" to maintain variety in your writing. Ensure the strength of this expression aligns with the intended meaning, and avoid overuse if a more moderate sentiment is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had an aversion to

Rephrases the original using a noun form of "aversion".

reluctant to

Emphasizes hesitation or unwillingness to do something.

unwilling to

Directly states a lack of willingness, slightly more neutral in tone.

disinclined towards

Indicates a lack of willingness or enthusiasm, slightly less strong than "averse".

resistant to

Highlights active opposition or difficulty in accepting something.

opposed to

Suggests a more active resistance or disagreement.

disposed against

Suggests a natural or inherent tendency to dislike something.

antipathic to

Implies a strong feeling of dislike or aversion.

not keen on

Informal way of expressing dislike or lack of interest.

against the idea of

Specifically targets a concept or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "was averse to" in a sentence?

Use "was averse to" to express a strong dislike or opposition to something. For example, "He was averse to the idea of increasing taxes".

What's the difference between "was averse to" and "was reluctant to"?

"Was averse to" implies a stronger feeling of dislike or opposition than "was reluctant to", which suggests hesitation or unwillingness.

What can I say instead of "was averse to"?

You can use alternatives like "disinclined towards", "opposed to", or "unwilling to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am averse to"?

Yes, "I am averse to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a strong dislike or opposition to something.