Serious apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Serious apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep or significant level of concern or anxiety about a situation or event. Example: "There is serious apprehension among the staff regarding the upcoming layoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

India might get its own poor law a prospect the niggardly Victorians could not "contemplate without serious apprehension".India's coalition government, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), finds itself in the predicament the British Raj was so anxious to avoid.

The Economist

A recent Pentagon projection of total ownership costs over 50 years of development, testing, manufacturing and operational service arrived at the staggering figure of one trillion dollars, causing serious apprehension even among hardened veterans of military budget wars.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Accordingly, he was again installed in the presidency on January 31 , 1951 in spite of the serious apprehensions of the military leaders who had deposed him in 1945.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although insect resistance is a matter of concern in agriculture and forestry, it is in the field of public health that it has awakened the most serious apprehensions.

The New Yorker

Add all this up and you have serious voter apprehension, which explains his utterly stagnant campaign.

Huffington Post

Others, with an eye on the government's disquieting budget deficit, share the Victorians' serious apprehension.In this section A bid to bypass the lawyers Tobin or not Tobin?

The Economist

The operative statute in this case forbids employers from firing an employee who "refuses to operate a vehicle because the employee has a reasonable apprehension of serious injury to the employee or the public".

Huffington Post

In general, relevant factors include the presence of a deadly weapon, the distance between the parties, direction of movement of the suspect, size disparities, the crime involved, or other facts or behaviors that create a reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or a third party.

Huffington Post

There is good reason for apprehension.

The New York Times

They stay there because serious filmmakers have somehow intuited apprehensions both overt and covert, like a Rorschach test of the public's fears at a given moment.

The New York Times

Your freedom may feel restricted, but if you had an accident and injured yourself, or others, as a result of your apprehension, the consequences could be far more serious.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious apprehension" when you want to convey a significant level of anxiety or concern about a particular situation or outcome. It's appropriate for formal and professional contexts where a strong, but not overly emotional, expression is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "serious apprehension" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "worried" or "concerned" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious apprehension" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It denotes a state or feeling of worry, anxiety, or unease about something that might happen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a deep or significant level of concern or anxiety.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious apprehension" is used to convey a significant level of worry or concern. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English to express deep or significant concern or anxiety about a situation or event. While grammatically sound, this phrase is not very common, but when used, the expression denotes apprehension. It's best suited for formal or neutral contexts, like news reports or analytical writing. Remember to reserve its use for situations where a notable degree of anxiety needs to be communicated, and consider more straightforward language for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grave concern

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the concern, suggesting a more profound worry.

Deep anxiety

Highlights the emotional distress associated with the concern.

Considerable unease

Focuses on a feeling of discomfort and worry about a situation.

Significant worry

Indicates a substantial level of concern that is noteworthy.

Profound disquiet

Suggests a deep-seated disturbance or unease.

Extreme nervousness

Emphasizes the intensity of the anxiety and agitation.

Intense trepidation

Highlights the fear or dread associated with an anticipated event.

Marked misgivings

Points out significant doubts or reservations about something.

Real foreboding

Conveys a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.

Substantial alarm

Indicates a significant level of fear or concern about immediate danger.

FAQs

How can I use "serious apprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "serious apprehension" to describe a state of worry or concern, for example: "There is "serious apprehension" among investors regarding the new economic policy".

What are some alternatives to "serious apprehension"?

Alternatives include "grave concern", "deep anxiety", or "considerable unease", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "serious concern" or "serious apprehension"?

"Serious concern" and "serious apprehension" are very similar, but "serious apprehension" implies a stronger element of anxiety or fear about what might happen. "Serious concern" is a more neutral expression of worry.

What does "serious apprehension" imply?

It implies a significant level of worry and anxiety about a potential future event or situation, suggesting that the possible outcome is viewed with unease and concern.