will hesitate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will hesitate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a future action where someone is uncertain or reluctant to make a decision or take action. Example: "If you ask him to make a quick choice, he will hesitate before responding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm sure some will hesitate," he said.

The New York Times

They will hesitate, and think twice.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But I believe they will hesitate to do anything".

The New York Times

If short-term interest rates are low but unstable, investors will hesitate before leveraging their bets.

The Economist

Politicians will hesitate to anger immigrant groups who can be influential at the polls.

The Economist

Foreign companies will hesitate to pick up the slack while doubts about the insurgency remain.

The Economist

Insurance companies will hesitate before venturing into state exchanges, thereby limiting competition and choice.

The New York Times

If a business user or customer or other constituent question the source or relevance of the data or content being presented, they will hesitate to take effective action.

Making EIM Enterprise Information Management Work for Business

But the legislature has passed under silence many acts for which the doctor will hesitate between parental permission and consent of the minor.

Médecine & Droit

As a consequence, banks will hesitate before expanding too quickly, lest their gold reserves come under threat.

The Economist

Protected from Asian imports, the car makers will hesitate to cut Brazil's car industry down to size.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will hesitate" when you want to express a future action that involves a degree of uncertainty, reluctance, or pausing before making a decision. For instance, "If the terms are unfavorable, investors will hesitate to invest."

Common error

Avoid using "will hesitate" in very informal or casual conversations; consider using more direct and simpler alternatives like "might wait" or "may not want to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will hesitate" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a future action characterized by uncertainty, reluctance, or a pause before committing to a decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and common across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "will hesitate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that conveys a future action marked by uncertainty or reluctance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional registers. Consider alternatives like "will be reluctant" or "will pause" for nuanced expression or informal communication. Use "will hesitate" to effectively communicate anticipated hesitation or indecision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will pause

Directly implies a temporary stop before proceeding, similar to hesitating.

will be reluctant

Indicates a disinclination or unwillingness to do something, similar to hesitating.

will be disinclined

Suggests a lack of motivation or enthusiasm, implying a pause before acting.

will think twice

Emphasizes careful consideration before acting, implying a moment of hesitation.

may be unwilling

Indicates a possible lack of willingness, suggesting a potential hesitation.

will waver

Suggests indecision or fluctuation, implying a hesitation in commitment.

will be uncertain

Highlights the lack of certainty, leading to a potential hesitation.

will be cautious

Emphasizes carefulness and prudence, suggesting a hesitation to avoid risks.

will demur

Implies objecting or hesitating, especially due to moral reasons.

will shrink from

Suggests a reluctance or avoidance due to fear or distaste, a form of hesitation.

FAQs

How can I use "will hesitate" in a sentence?

"Will hesitate" indicates a future action with some uncertainty or reluctance. Example: "If the price is too high, customers "will hesitate" to buy the product."

What are some alternatives to "will hesitate"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "will be reluctant", "will pause", or "will think twice" as alternatives to "will hesitate".

Is "will hesitate" formal or informal?

"Will hesitate" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In very casual settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "will hesitate" and "may hesitate"?

"Will hesitate" suggests a higher probability or stronger inclination to hesitate, while "may hesitate" indicates a possibility but with less certainty.