with reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

"with reservations" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt, hesitation, or uncertainty about something. Here is an example sentence: "I agreed to attend the party, but with reservations, as I wasn't sure if I would know many people there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recommended, with reservations.

The New Yorker

I say beautiful with reservations.

The New York Times - Arts

With reservations, Schlesinger liked the Clintons.

The New Yorker

Free, with reservations from [email protected].

The New York Times - Food

Mr Barak accepted it, with reservations.

The Economist

I'll go with it, but with reservations.

The New York Times - Arts

Bruno backs the concept, with reservations.

The Washington Post

Baum was a Bryan supporter, with reservations.

The New York Times

Britain also weighed in with reservations.

The New York Times

Those with reservations will be met at the pier.

The New York Times - Travel

At 2 p.m., meeting place will be given with reservations.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with reservations" to express a nuanced opinion, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects. This adds depth and credibility to your stance.

Common error

Avoid using "with reservations" excessively, as it can dilute the impact of your statement. Use it strategically when you want to convey a significant qualification or hesitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with reservations" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying a statement or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses doubt, hesitation, or uncertainty. Ludwig examples show it modifying verbs of agreement, support, or acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with reservations" is a versatile and widely used adverbial modifier for expressing qualified agreement or support. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. The phrase is commonly used across news and media sources, academia, and to a lesser extent, formal business communication. When using "with reservations", it's essential to be strategic and avoid overuse, as it can diminish the impact of your statement. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, you can effectively convey nuanced opinions and maintain transparency in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with some hesitation

Indicates a slight pause or reluctance before agreement or acceptance.

with certain qualms

Emphasizes feelings of unease or doubt regarding something.

subject to certain doubts

Highlights the presence of doubts that influence acceptance or approval.

with a degree of skepticism

Suggests a questioning attitude and a lack of complete trust.

not without apprehension

Conveys a sense of worry or fear alongside acceptance.

with mixed feelings

Highlights the presence of both positive and negative emotions.

with a pinch of salt

Indicates that something should not be taken too seriously or literally.

qualifiedly

A more concise adverb expressing a limited or conditional endorsement.

conditionally

Implies that acceptance is dependent on certain conditions being met.

albeit reluctantly

Emphasizes unwillingness or resistance despite eventual compliance.

FAQs

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

You can use "with reservations" to express qualified agreement or support, such as "I support the proposal, but "with reservations", due to the potential risks involved."

What are some alternatives to saying "with reservations"?

Alternatives include phrases like "with some hesitation", "with certain qualms", or "subject to certain doubts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "with reservation" or "with reservations"?

"With reservations" is generally preferred as it implies multiple points of concern or qualification, offering a more comprehensive expression of hesitancy.

What does it mean when someone says they agree "with reservations"?

It means they generally agree, but they have some concerns, doubts, or qualifications about certain aspects. It's a way of expressing partial or conditional agreement.