will be loth to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be loth to" is correct and usable in written English, although it is somewhat archaic.
You can use it when expressing reluctance or unwillingness to do something, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "She will be loth to accept the proposal, given her previous experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It will be loth to do so.

The Economist

But nowadays it will be loth to inveigh against them.

The Economist

They warn that Brussels officials will be loth to set any precedents by forgiving Greek debt.

The Guardian

Firms have invested a lot in their supply chains and will be loth to abandon them.

The Economist

But SCIRI will be loth to relinquish its hold on the ministry.

The Economist

For that reason, the generals will be loth to let go until the succession is over.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Mr Li has promised this, but local governments, used to seizing land at will, are loth to give up that privilege.The new urbanisation plan calls for 100m migrants to be given urban hukou by 2020, but there will still be conditions: at a minimum, applicants will need a stable job and a legal place of residence.

The Economist

They'll be loth to lose you.

The Guardian - Money

They will still be loth to do so.

The Economist

Moreover, whereas customer complaints about companies are usually public, firms will probably be loth to reveal to their customers whether and how they ended up on a poor-service list.

The Economist

Mr Fang says simply that "we have to compensate investors for their losses", though the central government will probably be loth to find money for this when it is spending huge sums recapitalising China's banks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using this phrase, as it might not be familiar to all readers. Ensure that the context makes the meaning clear, or consider using a more common synonym like "reluctant".

Common error

While "will be loth to" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it, as too much archaic language can make your writing sound unnatural or affected. Balance it with more contemporary expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be loth to" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing future reluctance or unwillingness. It modifies a verb, indicating the subject's disposition towards performing the action, as seen in Ludwig examples where different entities will be loth to compromise, abandon etc.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "will be loth to" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to express future reluctance or unwillingness. It carries a slightly formal or archaic tone, making it suitable for certain contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is accurate, reinforcing its validity for use in writing and speech. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately. Remember that more common alternatives, such as "will be reluctant to", may be preferable in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be reluctant to

Replaces "loth" with "reluctant", offering a more common synonym for unwillingness.

will be disinclined to

Uses "disinclined" instead of "loth", suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or willingness.

will be unwilling to

Substitutes "loth" with "unwilling", providing a straightforward expression of lack of will.

will hesitate to

Indicates a pause or delay before acting due to reluctance or doubt.

will shrink from

Suggests avoiding something due to aversion or distaste.

will demur at

Implies objecting or hesitating due to reservations.

will balk at

Indicates refusing to proceed due to an obstacle or objection.

will be averse to

Conveys a strong dislike or opposition to something.

will think twice about

Suggests careful consideration and potential hesitation before acting.

will be slow to

Indicates a delayed or hesitant response or action.

FAQs

What does "will be loth to" mean?

The phrase "will be loth to" means will be reluctant or unwilling to do something. It's a somewhat formal way of expressing hesitation or aversion.

What can I say instead of "will be loth to"?

You can use alternatives like "will be reluctant to", "will be unwilling to", or "will hesitate to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "will be loth to"?

Yes, "will be loth to" is grammatically correct, although it's considered a somewhat archaic or formal expression. It's best used in contexts where a slightly elevated style is appropriate.

How can I use "will be loth to" in a sentence?

You can use "will be loth to" to describe someone's reluctance. For example, "The company "will be reluctant to" invest in new equipment given the current economic climate, or "He "will be unwilling to" apologize after this dispute."