With reservations
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use it to show cautious agreement without appearing 100% convinced or responsible for potential failure.
في 15 ثانية
- Accepting an idea while keeping some doubts or conditions.
- A polite way to say 'Yes, but I'm worried about X.'
- Commonly used in professional, academic, or serious personal discussions.
المعنى
This phrase means you agree with something or accept it, but you have some doubts or specific conditions. It is like saying 'Yes, but...' to protect yourself in case things go wrong.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6In a business meeting
I can support the new marketing budget, but only with reservations regarding the social media spend.
I support the budget but have concerns about the social media part.
Talking about a new movie
I'd recommend the film with reservations; the acting is great, but the plot is a mess.
I recommend it, but be warned about the bad plot.
Discussing a job offer with a partner
I'm considering the offer with reservations because the commute is two hours long.
I like the job but the travel time is a big problem.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase originates from diplomatic and legal history, where officials would sign documents while 'reserving' certain rights or objections. In modern Western culture, it reflects a value for critical thinking and 'hedging'—the practice of avoiding over-committing to a statement to maintain credibility.
The 'But' Rule
If you use this phrase, people will expect you to explain why. Be ready to list your 1 or 2 specific concerns immediately after.
Don't Kill the Vibe
Avoid using this during celebrations. If someone wins an award, saying you support their win 'with reservations' makes you look like a hater.
في 15 ثانية
- Accepting an idea while keeping some doubts or conditions.
- A polite way to say 'Yes, but I'm worried about X.'
- Commonly used in professional, academic, or serious personal discussions.
What It Means
Imagine you are buying a car. It looks great, but the engine makes a tiny clicking sound. You say you like it with reservations. This means you aren't 100% sold yet. You have some 'reserved' or held-back thoughts. It is a way to say 'I agree, but I have concerns.' It keeps you from looking like a fool if the car breaks down tomorrow.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the end of a sentence. You can say you 'accept' or 'support' an idea with reservations. It acts like a safety net for your reputation. If you are a manager, use it to show you are cautious. If you are a friend, use it to show you are skeptical. It tells people you are thinking deeply, not just nodding along like a robot.
When To Use It
Use it when a plan sounds 80% good but 20% risky. It is perfect for office meetings when the boss has a wild idea. Use it when a friend suggests a restaurant with terrible reviews. It is also great for legal or academic writing. It makes you sound sophisticated and careful. It shows you see the flaws that others might miss.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple things like 'I'll have the pasta with reservations.' That just sounds weird! Avoid it when you need to show total, enthusiastic support. If your best friend asks if you like their wedding dress, don't use this. You will definitely not be invited to the cake cutting. It is too cold for moments that require pure emotion.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'hedging.' We often avoid saying a direct 'No' because it feels too aggressive. With reservations comes from old diplomatic language. It allowed countries to sign treaties without agreeing to every single tiny rule. Today, it is the ultimate 'polite hesitation' tool for professionals.
Common Variations
You might hear people say with some caveats or with a grain of salt. They all mean you are being careful. You can also say I have some reservations about this. This version is a bit more direct. If you want to be very formal, try qualified support. But for most daily life, with reservations is your best friend.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This is a C1-level expression that bridges the gap between neutral and formal registers. It is highly effective in professional negotiation to signal that you are not fully convinced without being confrontational.
The 'But' Rule
If you use this phrase, people will expect you to explain why. Be ready to list your 1 or 2 specific concerns immediately after.
Don't Kill the Vibe
Avoid using this during celebrations. If someone wins an award, saying you support their win 'with reservations' makes you look like a hater.
The British Hedge
In British English, this is a very polite way to say 'I think this is a bad idea but I'm too polite to stop you.' Pay attention to the tone!
أمثلة
6I can support the new marketing budget, but only with reservations regarding the social media spend.
I support the budget but have concerns about the social media part.
Used here to limit professional liability.
I'd recommend the film with reservations; the acting is great, but the plot is a mess.
I recommend it, but be warned about the bad plot.
Provides a balanced, honest opinion.
I'm considering the offer with reservations because the commute is two hours long.
I like the job but the travel time is a big problem.
Expresses personal hesitation about a major life change.
I'll come to the party with reservations... mostly because your ex might be there!
I'm coming, but I'm worried about seeing your ex.
Uses the phrase to point out a specific social awkwardness.
I agreed to the date with reservations, specifically that I get to leave if he mentions his cat collection again.
I'm going, but I have a condition for leaving early.
Uses formal language for a funny, low-stakes situation.
The committee accepted the thesis with reservations, noting that the data set was too small.
The thesis was accepted but needs more data.
Standard way to give critical academic approval.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the professional hedge.
I am willing to sign the contract ___, as I still have concerns about clause five.
The standard idiomatic phrase is 'with reservations' used as an adverbial phrase at the end of the clause.
Identify the context where this phrase is MOST appropriate.
Which scenario fits 'with reservations' best?
The phrase is used for cautious agreement, which fits a risky project perfectly.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'With Reservations'
Rarely used for small talk.
I'll go to the park with reservations.
Good for serious advice or reviews.
I liked the book with reservations.
Perfect for business and law.
The board approved the plan with reservations.
When to Use 'With Reservations'
Job Offers
Accepting a role with a low salary.
Product Reviews
Recommending a buggy software.
Strategic Planning
Agreeing to a project with a tight deadline.
Social Events
Attending a party where you don't know anyone.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it has nothing to do with hotels or restaurants. In this context, 'reservation' means a doubt or a feeling of holding back.
Close, but 'second thoughts' usually means you want to change your mind. With reservations means you are proceeding, but with caution.
Yes, but it sounds a bit fancy. Use it if you want to sound smart or if the topic is serious, like I'm coming to the dinner with reservations.
Not at all! It is actually very polite because it provides a nuanced opinion instead of a flat 'No'.
The opposite would be unreservedly or without reservation, which means 100% total agreement.
Usually, it is plural: with reservations. Using the singular sounds slightly less natural unless you have exactly one specific point.
Yes, it is a great way to show you are a critical thinker. It shows you aren't just a 'yes-man'.
Not necessarily. It just means you are flagging potential problems early on.
With caveats is even more formal and often used in legal or technical contexts. With reservations is more common in general speech.
Exactly like the word for a table booking: rez-er-VAY-shuns.
عبارات ذات صلة
With a grain of salt
To not take something too seriously or literally.
Qualified agreement
Agreement that only applies under certain conditions.
Hedging one's bets
Taking action to reduce the risk of failure or loss.
Butting heads
To disagree strongly (the opposite of the goal of this phrase).
التعليقات (0)
تسجيل الدخول للتعليقابدأ تعلم اللغات مجاناً
ابدأ التعلم مجاناً