waver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is indecisive or fluctuating in their opinions or actions. Example: "As the deadline approached, she began to waver in her decision about which project to pursue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the global economy faces greater uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we send a clear message to the world that Britain is not going to waver on dealing with its debts.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The legislation would potentially prevent any deal from succeeding by suggesting that Congress must vote to 'approve' any deal, and by removing any existing sanctions waver authorities that have already been granted to the president," McDonough said.

The Guardian

An early command of personal voice gives huge insight into the level of a person's self-confidence and the best won't waver from their core values.

The Guardian

This January you could even see Mitt I-Will-Build-the-KXL-Pipeline-Myself Romney start to waver on the reality of climate change and its causes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The truth, as has been illustrated by the coverage of Kennedy throughout, up to his very sad death, is that attitudes towards alcoholism in this country waver uncomfortably between thinking it's a bit of a larky joke and seeing it as something that only happens to other people, not us – never.

The Guardian - Opinion

4 When it comes to casual clothing my enthusiasm for clothes starts to waver.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even before the ruling Mr Museveni had begun to waver; in July his government pleaded that the law had been "misinterpreted" by outsiders.The technical nature of the court's ruling did not quell activists' jubilation.

The Economist

But Africa's support began to waver in 2006, when the court looked into atrocities in Sudan's Darfur region and, three years later, issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, charging him with genocide, among other crimes.The case against Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya's president, has resulted in support wobbling still more.

The Economist

Should negotiations over the transition process prove extremely protracted as currently seems likely—support for the HAT, particularly in the army, could waver, reopening the bitter divisions that incapacitated the opposition during the Ravalomanana presidency.

The Economist

He also took up the mantle of country's chief flag waver, and once suggested the introduction of a law to ensure the Polish eagle the country's national emblem is always present on the shirts of the national football team.Mr Komorowski has done all this in a restrained manner.

The Economist

As the colonel's forces advanced and the international community appeared to dither, many Libyans who had thrown in their lot with the rebels began to waver.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waver" to describe indecision, flickering, or unsteady movement. It is suitable when something or someone is losing strength or resolve.

Common error

Avoid using "waver" when referring to physical stability in structures. Use words like "sway" or "shake" instead. "Waver" is better suited for describing abstract concepts like resolve or commitment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "waver" is as a verb, indicating an action of fluctuating, hesitating, or losing strength. It describes a state of instability or indecision, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "waver" is a versatile verb used to describe fluctuation, hesitation, or instability. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is very commonly found in various contexts, especially in news and media. When using "waver", it's important to consider alternatives like "hesitate" or "fluctuate" to precisely convey the intended meaning. Remember to avoid using "waver" to describe physical structures that sway or shake. Instead, reserve it for abstract concepts where resolve or commitment might be in question. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "waver" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fluctuate

Emphasizes irregular variation or change, often in quantity or level, which is a bit more specific than "waver".

hesitate

Focuses on pausing or delaying before acting or deciding, highlighting indecision.

vacillate

Stresses indecisiveness and alternating between different opinions or actions.

falter

Suggests a loss of strength or momentum, implying a weakening resolve.

oscillate

Implies a regular back-and-forth movement or change, often between two points or states.

seesaw

Describes a shift back and forth, like on a seesaw, between two alternatives.

dither

Suggests being indecisive and unable to make a clear decision.

equivocate

Implies using ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing to a particular view.

be irresolute

Highlights a lack of determination or firmness of purpose.

show uncertainty

Directly indicates a lack of certainty or confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "waver" in a sentence?

You can use "waver" to describe a lack of resolve (e.g., "His commitment began to waver"), a flickering light (e.g., "The candle flame wavered"), or an unsteady movement (e.g., "Her voice wavered with emotion").

What are some alternatives to "waver"?

Alternatives to "waver" include "hesitate", "fluctuate", "vacillate", "falter", or "dither", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "waver on a decision"?

Yes, it is correct. The expression "waver on a decision" implies indecision or hesitation regarding a particular choice. For example: "She began to waver on her decision to accept the job offer".

What's the difference between "waver" and "waive"?

"Waver" means to fluctuate or be indecisive, while "waive" means to relinquish or give up a right or claim. They are distinct words with different meanings and should not be confused.