Grounds for apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Grounds for apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasons or justifications for feeling worried or concerned about a situation. Example: "The recent increase in crime rates has raised grounds for apprehension among the residents of the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The grounds for this apprehension [of bias] must, however, be substantial and I entirely agree with the Federal Court of Appeal which refused to accept the suggestion that the test be related to the "very sensitive or scrupulous conscience".

Harvard University

There is good reason for apprehension.

The New York Times

In October 2002, the Trial Chamber instructed the Registry to revoke the appointment of one of the Amici Curiae on grounds of apprehension of bias.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Grounds for scepticism are plentiful.

The Economist

Grounds for dismissal?

Forbes

Ururyar's team said Zuker's "apprehension of bias" is grounds for appeal.

Vice

There were reasons for apprehension.

The New York Times

Their grounds for suspicion?

The Economist

There are grounds for scepticism.

The Economist

The grounds for the arrests?

The New York Times

"To give grounds for invasion?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grounds for apprehension", ensure that you clearly articulate the specific reasons or evidence that justify the feeling of concern. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "grounds for apprehension" when the situation warrants a stronger term like "alarm" or "panic". Ensure the severity of the language aligns with the actual level of risk or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grounds for apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes the reasons or basis for feeling worried or concerned about something. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grounds for apprehension" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a justified sense of worry or concern. As Ludwig points out, it is suitable for various formal contexts, including news, academia, and professional settings. While its frequency is relatively low, the phrase conveys a clear and specific meaning, denoting the reasons behind the feeling of unease. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly articulate the reasons that support the apprehension and that the level of concern is appropriate for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reasons for concern

Focuses on the reasons behind the worry, rather than the feeling of apprehension itself.

Basis for anxiety

Substitutes "apprehension" with "anxiety", emphasizing the emotional state.

Justification for worry

Highlights the legitimacy or validity of the concern.

Cause for alarm

Implies a higher degree of urgency or danger than "apprehension".

Grounds for disquiet

Uses the more formal term "disquiet" to convey a sense of unease.

Reasons for unease

A slightly less formal alternative to "grounds for disquiet".

Reasons to be worried

A more direct and less formal way of expressing the same concern.

Sources of unease

Highlights the origin or cause of the uncomfortable feeling.

Evidence of potential problems

Shifts the focus to the potential negative outcomes.

Indications of risk

Emphasizes the potential dangers involved.

FAQs

How to use "grounds for apprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "grounds for apprehension" to indicate that there are valid reasons to be worried or concerned about something. For example, "The increasing number of cyber attacks gives us "reasons for concern"".

What can I say instead of "grounds for apprehension"?

You can use alternatives like ""reasons for concern"", "cause for alarm", or "basis for anxiety" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grounds for apprehension" or "ground for apprehension"?

"Grounds for apprehension" is generally considered correct, as "grounds" implies multiple reasons or a substantial basis for concern. "Ground for apprehension" is less common but can be correct when referring to a single, specific reason.

What's the difference between "grounds for apprehension" and "cause for alarm"?

"Grounds for apprehension" suggests a general feeling of worry or concern, while "cause for alarm" implies a more immediate and serious threat. The former indicates potential problems, the latter signals imminent danger.