I am apprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am apprehensive" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It indicates a feeling of anxiety or worry about something that may happen in the future. Example: "I am apprehensive about my job interview tomorrow. I'm not sure if I'm prepared enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I am apprehensive," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

As both patients are now entitled to confidentiality, I am apprehensive of conflicts of interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

MICROSOFT WORD 2001 for the Macintosh just came out this month, and as someone whose first choice for word processing is Word on a Mac, I am apprehensive.

The New York Times - Tech

"I am apprehensive about it as it is taking me completely out of my comfort zone," But, he added: "I felt it would be good to give something back and this seemed a really good way of doing so".

Independent

I am apprehensive rather that it will lose itself in the clouds at each moment and that in the end it will depict entirely imaginary regions... offer immense and incoherent images, overloaded depictions, and bizarre composites, and that the fantastic beings issuing from their minds will sometimes make one long for the real world".

The New Yorker

Carlisle, who has personally witnessed anti-Semitic abuse in Poland as part of a documentary on racism in football added: "I'm hopeful it will be a good championship but I am apprehensive.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I'm apprehensive.

The New York Times

I was apprehensive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm apprehensive," he said.

The New York Times

"I was apprehensive," she said.

The New York Times

At the same time, I was apprehensive.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am apprehensive" to express a formal sense of unease or worry about future events or situations. It is appropriate when a more nuanced term than "afraid" or "worried" is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "I am apprehensive" in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "I'm worried" or "I'm nervous" may be more fitting for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am apprehensive" functions as a statement of feeling, specifically expressing anxiety or unease about something that is about to happen or may happen in the future. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I am apprehensive" is a grammatically sound and correct phrase used to express a feeling of unease or anxiety, often about future events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s most commonly found in news and media and scientific writing, suggesting a neutral register. While suitable for formal contexts, simpler alternatives like "I'm worried" might be more appropriate for casual settings. Remember to use "I am apprehensive about" when specifying the cause of your apprehension. Top authoritative sources showcase its usage in professionally written content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am worried

Focuses more on the feeling of worry or concern about a specific situation or outcome.

I am concerned

Highlights a sense of care or responsibility, adding a layer of solicitude to the apprehension.

I am anxious

Emphasizes a state of unease and nervousness, often related to future events or uncertainties.

I am uneasy

Suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind, often stemming from a vague or undefined concern.

I am fearful

Highlights a sense of dread or intense worry about potential negative consequences.

I am afraid

Implies a sense of being scared or intimidated by something, suggesting a stronger emotional response.

I am hesitant

Emphasizes a reluctance to act or proceed, often due to uncertainty or lack of confidence.

I am reluctant

Highlights a stronger unwillingness or aversion to something, implying a conscious decision to avoid it.

I have misgivings

Suggests feelings of doubt or apprehension about the likely outcome or consequences of something.

I foresee difficulties

Focuses on anticipating potential problems or challenges, adding a predictive element to the apprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "I am apprehensive" in a sentence?

Use "I am apprehensive" to express a formal feeling of anxiety or unease about a future event. For example, "I am apprehensive about the upcoming surgery" or "I am apprehensive about the new company policy".

What are some alternatives to "I am apprehensive"?

You can use alternatives like "I am worried", "I am concerned", or "I am anxious" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am apprehensive about"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "I am apprehensive about" followed by the subject of your apprehension. For example: "I am apprehensive about the test results."

What's the difference between "I am apprehensive" and "I am afraid"?

"I am afraid" often implies a stronger sense of fear, while "I am apprehensive" suggests more of a cautious unease or anxiety about potential outcomes. The difference lies in the degree of intensity.