we are reticent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are reticent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being reserved or reluctant to speak or express thoughts and feelings. Example: "In discussions about our future plans, we are reticent, preferring to keep our strategies private."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"But given that we don't have firsthand experience, we are reticent to say anything beyond that".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We are reticent and don't readily share our feelings in a group," Mr. Gallagher said.

The New York Times

We have no qualms in telling people who are smokers that they ought to stop smoking, but we are reticent abut telling people to go on a diet.

The Guardian

This does not come out because normally we are reticent; we are not allowed to speak; we have various kinds of rules and regulations that prevent us from speaking about various topics.

The Guardian

This is particularly fortuitous since we don't know today how soon an inflation spiral is likely to begin, and thereby we are reticent to forgo too much current yield.

Forbes

We noted some differences in their demographic characteristics although these were not striking and we are reticent to draw major conclusions from these data.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We were reticent.

Huffington Post

It remained the mother of a friend and because of our age difference we were reticent.

Vice

While our land, water and air were polluted and fouled for decades by profit-hungry industry, we were reticent and compliant, each of us devoting our energies to the pursuit of happiness and material gain in the Horatio Alger tradition.

The New York Times

We were reticent rather than the overconfidence I was worried about, but the women hosting us knew what to do about it.

Vice

"A lot of his accounts sound more like tourist stories, so we're reticent to take everything he said at face value," Wade told LiveScience.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are reticent" when you want to convey a sense of polite reluctance or unwillingness to share information or opinions, especially when direct refusal might seem impolite or confrontational.

Common error

Avoid using "we are reticent" in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "we'd rather not say" or "we're not comfortable sharing that" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are reticent" functions as a statement of the group's current disposition. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically sound construction that serves to express a shared reluctance or reservation. The examples provided demonstrate its use in various contexts to indicate a hesitation to speak or act.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are reticent" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a group's reluctance or reservation in sharing information or opinions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability. While not very common, it's appropriate for formal and professional contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When choosing to use this expression, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and level of formality. If a less formal tone is desired, alternative phrases like "we are hesitant" or "we prefer not to say" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are hesitant

Direct synonym replacement, focusing on reluctance.

we are reluctant

Similar to hesitant, emphasizes unwillingness.

we are disinclined

More formal, suggesting a lack of inclination.

we are unwilling

Highlights a lack of willingness.

we are reserved

Focuses on a restrained manner in expressing oneself.

we are guarded

Implies caution and a desire to protect information.

we are circumspect

Highlights wariness and careful consideration before speaking.

we are cautious

Emphasizes prudence and a desire to avoid risks.

we prefer not to say

A more direct way of expressing a refusal to comment.

we are keeping our own counsel

Indicates a deliberate choice to remain silent and rely on one's own judgment.

FAQs

What does "we are reticent" mean?

The phrase "we are reticent" means that a group of people is hesitant, reserved, or unwilling to share their thoughts or feelings openly.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "we are reticent"?

It is appropriate to use "we are reticent" in formal situations or when you want to convey a sense of politeness while declining to provide information. It suggests a thoughtful reservation rather than a blunt refusal.

What can I say instead of "we are reticent"?

You can use alternatives like "we are hesitant", "we are reluctant", or "we prefer not to say" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we are reticent"?

Yes, "we are reticent" is grammatically correct. It uses the plural pronoun "we" with the present tense form of the verb "to be" ("are") followed by the adjective "reticent".