with hesitation

USAGE SUMMARY

"with hesitation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when someone is uncertain or reluctant to do something. For example, "He spoke with hesitation, unsure of how she would react."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Simon said he came to the conclusion "with hesitation".

The Guardian

(i. q. dubitanter, 2)., hesitatingly, with hesitation (only in the foll. passages), Sisenn.

Harvard University

One criterion that many centers view with hesitation is death by drowning.

Stanford University

The old policeman said with hesitation: "Yes, it is here and you cannot go home yet".

The New York Times

It rarely stars with brute oppression: it starts with hesitation, then deference – and culminates in collusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

I approached their table with hesitation and apologized for the intrusion.

The New York Times

A good many Coalition Liberals voted for the bill to-day with hesitation and heart searchings.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Geithner, meanwhile, was tossed to the populist mob by "financial industry sources" who told Reuters that "Obama's newest Wall Street crackdown was met with hesitation" by Geithner, who is "concerned that politics could be sacrificing good economic policy".

Huffington Post

Much of the conversational space — this can't be a surprise — is filled with hesitations, backing and filling, plans to talk about something another time.

The New Yorker

Shakespeare hedges the patriotic fantasy of English greatness in Henry V with hesitations and qualifications about the validity of the myth of glorious nationhood offered by the Agincourt story.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Much of the allotted time was wasted with hesitations and pauses as the speakers struggled to compose a meaningful response.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with hesitation" to accurately portray a character's internal conflict or uncertainty in narrative writing. This adds depth and realism to the portrayal of emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "with hesitation" in situations requiring decisive language, such as business proposals or legal documents. Instead, opt for more assertive phrasing to convey confidence and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with hesitation" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with hesitation" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to express uncertainty or reluctance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When writing, consider alternatives like "with reluctance" or "with uncertainty" to fine-tune the specific nuance. While suitable for general use, avoid it in contexts where decisive language is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with reluctance

Emphasizes unwillingness or disinclination.

with uncertainty

Highlights the lack of confidence or sureness.

with reservation

Suggests a mental holding back or doubt.

with apprehension

Focuses on anxiety or fear about potential outcomes.

with doubt

Directly indicates a lack of belief or trust.

indecisively

Highlights the inability to make a firm decision

hesitantly

Adverb form, describing an action done with pause or delay.

with hesitancy

Nominalization focusing on the state of being hesitant.

with trepidation

Emphasizes fear and anxiety about what might happen.

with wariness

Highlights caution and distrust.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "with hesitation" in a sentence?

Use "with hesitation" to describe an action or statement made with uncertainty or reluctance. For instance, "She accepted the offer "with hesitation", unsure if it was the right decision".

What are some alternatives to "with hesitation"?

You can use alternatives like "with reluctance", "with uncertainty", or "with reservation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "with hesitation" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "with hesitation" might be perceived as lacking confidence in formal contexts. Consider stronger, more decisive language unless you specifically want to convey uncertainty.

What's the difference between "with hesitation" and "with hesitancy"?

While very similar, "with hesitation" typically describes the manner of doing something, whereas "with hesitancy" emphasizes the state or quality of being hesitant. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and context.