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Prepositions after adjectives

Reticent about, in, on, to, or of?

Reticent is most commonly followed by about when discussing topics someone avoids talking about. Other prepositions may appear in specific structures or be nonstandard.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows reticent?

Use reticent about for topics someone is unwilling to discuss. Reticent in can describe behaviour in a situation. Reticent on appears occasionally with subjects or issues. Reticent to and reticent of are generally nonstandard in modern English.

She was reticent about her early career.
He became reticent in large meetings.
The minister remained reticent on the proposal.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
reticent about + topic

Avoiding discussion of a subject

Use reticent about for subjects someone does not want to discuss openly.

They are reticent about their finances.
She stayed reticent about the negotiations.
2
reticent on + issue

Commenting little on a subject

On can appear when referring to a topic or issue, especially in formal contexts.

The spokesperson was reticent on future plans.
He remained reticent on the details.
3
reticent in + context

Describing reserved behaviour in a situation

In introduces the context where someone behaves quietly or cautiously.

She is often reticent in public discussions.
He grew reticent in unfamiliar groups.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
reticent about
She is reticent about her private life.
The most common pattern for avoided topics.
reticent on
The author was reticent on political matters.
Formal way to say someone says little on a subject.
reticent in
He is reticent in interviews.
In introduces the situation or context.
reticent to
Reticent to is generally nonstandard.
Use reluctant to for unwilling actions.
reticent of
Reticent of is not idiomatic modern English.
Use reticent about instead.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using reticent to for actions

Reticent usually describes silence about topics, not refusal to act.

✕ She is reticent to answer questions. ✓ She is reluctant to answer questions.

Using reticent of instead of about

About is the standard preposition for topics.

✕ He was reticent of his background. ✓ He was reticent about his background.

Confusing quietness with inability

Reticent means reserved or unwilling to speak, not unable to speak.

✕ The child was reticent because he lost his voice. ✓ The child was quiet because he lost his voice.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She remained reticent ___ her family history.
2. The executive was reticent ___ the merger plans.
3. He tends to be reticent ___ large public events.

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Frequently asked questions

Is reticent about the most common pattern?

Yes. It is the standard choice for topics someone avoids discussing.

Can reticent on be used in everyday English?

Yes, though it sounds more formal and is common in journalism or public statements.

Why is reticent to considered nonstandard?

English usually uses reluctant to for unwilling actions and reticent about for silence on topics.

racist-in-against-for-to, towards "radical in" or "radical for"? rampant in, among, with, on or throughout? "rare in" or "rare for"? "rational for" or "rational in"? "raw in", "raw for" or "raw with"? reachable by, from, on, in or through? "reactive to", "reactive rather" or "reactive in"? ready for, to, in, at or by? "realistic about" or "realistic in"? "real to", "real for" or "real in"? rearing of, as or on?

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