with reluctance

USAGE SUMMARY

"with reluctance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone is hesitant or unwilling to do something. You can use it when expressing hesitation or hesitation in a sentence, such as: - "With reluctance, she agreed to go on the rollercoaster ride." - "The team signed the contract with reluctance, as they were unsure about the terms." - "With reluctance, he accepted the job offer, knowing it would mean a lot of travel." - "The students returned to class with reluctance, not wanting their break to end so soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With reluctance, Leandro Dias followed.

The New York Times

They did so with reluctance.

The New York Times - Books

Establishment figures, they broke ranks with reluctance.

The New Yorker

He will resort to it only with reluctance.

Yale University

To start, they approach leadership roles with reluctance and skepticism.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some of the best films reveal themselves with reluctance.

The New York Times

Singh said the mothers had "come to court with reluctance".

The Guardian

She appeared in front of an audience with reluctance.

The New York Times - Arts

We should agree to more government only with reluctance, not relish.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So it was with reluctance that Sim concluded that the picture wasn't by Richmond after all.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps pessimists saw little value in the puzzle exercise, conducting it with reluctance and even criticism.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with reluctance" to subtly convey a character's internal conflict or lack of enthusiasm, adding depth to your narrative without being overly explicit.

Common error

Avoid using "with reluctance" when a character is actively and strongly resisting something. It is more appropriate for situations where there's hesitation or quiet disapproval, rather than outright defiance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with reluctance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is accurate and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with reluctance" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to convey hesitation or unwillingness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "unwillingly" or "hesitantly" exist, "with reluctance" provides a nuanced way to express a lack of enthusiasm. Remember to use it when indicating hesitation or quiet disapproval rather than strong opposition, and be mindful of the context to ensure accurate conveyance of intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwillingly

Single word alternative emphasizing lack of willingness.

hesitantly

Focuses on the pause or delay before acting.

grudgingly

Implies resentment or bitterness while complying.

against one's will

Highlights the forced nature of the action.

without enthusiasm

Emphasizes the lack of positive feeling.

with reservation

Indicates doubt or concern alongside compliance.

with misgivings

Suggests feelings of apprehension or unease.

under protest

Highlights the expression of disapproval.

involuntarily

Implies a lack of conscious control.

without wanting to

Directly states the absence of desire.

FAQs

How can I use "with reluctance" in a sentence?

Use "with reluctance" to show hesitation or unwillingness. For example, "With reluctance, she accepted the difficult task."

What are some alternatives to saying "with reluctance"?

Consider using alternatives such as "unwillingly", "hesitantly", or "grudgingly" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "with reluctance" or "reluctantly"?

Both "with reluctance" and "reluctantly" are correct, but "with reluctance" is a phrase, while "reluctantly" is an adverb. The choice depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis.

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

"With reluctance" implies unwillingness, while "with hesitation" suggests uncertainty or pause. Use "with hesitation" if the action is delayed due to doubt, not necessarily opposition.