a cloud of apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of anxiety or unease that hangs over a situation or group of people. Example: "As the deadline approached, a cloud of apprehension settled over the team, making it difficult to focus on their tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Under a cloud of apprehension created by the recent surge in violence in the Middle East, tens of thousands of Jews gathered along Fifth Avenue yesterday for a somewhat awkward celebration of Israel's 53rd anniversary.

The New York Times

The hollowing out of the real communities underneath Pineland reminds me of what Dwight Eisenhower said nearly 50 years ago, around the time when the Special Forces games first began under a cloud of apprehension about foreign attack.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A cloud of us.

The Guardian - Books

A cloud of names?

The New Yorker

It collapsed in a cloud of dust.

The New York Times

A cloud of crème chantilly is "optional".

The New York Times

Amazon already has a cloud of sorts.

The Economist

A cloud of steam.

Harvard University

A cloud of dust rose.

Huffington Post

"There is a state of apprehension.

The New York Times

It definitely creates a bit of apprehension".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cloud of apprehension" to describe a situation where a general feeling of anxiety or unease is present, but the specific cause may not be immediately clear.

Common error

Avoid using "a cloud of apprehension" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Opt for more direct or varied language to describe specific anxieties or concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of apprehension" functions as a metaphorical expression, describing a pervasive and somewhat undefined feeling of anxiety or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cloud of apprehension" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a pervasive feeling of anxiety or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of foreboding and is frequently found in news and academic contexts. While not overly common, it provides a vivid way to depict situations filled with uncertainty or potential negative outcomes. Remember to use it sparingly and consider alternatives like "a sense of foreboding" or "an atmosphere of unease" to avoid repetition. When using it, be mindful that it is more suitable for writing than for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A sense of foreboding

Focuses more on an impending negative event, while the original phrase highlights a general feeling of anxiety.

An atmosphere of unease

Emphasizes the surrounding environment's feeling, rather than a personal emotion, but maintains a similar sense of discomfort.

A pall of anxiety

Similar in meaning, but suggests a heavier, more pervasive feeling of anxiety than the original phrase.

Under a shadow of fear

Shifts the focus to fear rather than general apprehension, implying a more specific and intense emotion.

A climate of worry

Suggests a more widespread and societal level of concern, while the original phrase can be more localized.

A wave of nervousness

Suggests a sudden and spreading feeling of anxiety, in contrast to the more sustained sense of apprehension.

A state of agitation

Implies a more active and disturbed emotional state, unlike the more passive feeling of apprehension.

A feeling of dread

Emphasizes a sense of impending doom, while the original phrase suggests a more general unease.

An undercurrent of concern

Suggests a subtle and underlying feeling of worry, as opposed to the more prominent apprehension.

A premonition of trouble

Focuses on a feeling that something bad is going to happen, rather than a general sense of anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "a cloud of apprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "a cloud of apprehension" to describe a pervasive feeling of anxiety or unease. For example, "Under a cloud of apprehension, the team awaited the test results".

What's a good alternative to "a cloud of apprehension"?

Alternatives include "a sense of foreboding", "an atmosphere of unease", or "a pall of anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a cloud of apprehension" formal or informal?

"A cloud of apprehension" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for news reporting and descriptive writing, but may be less appropriate for casual conversation.

What creates "a cloud of apprehension"?

Uncertainty, potential negative outcomes, or a history of adverse events can contribute to "a cloud of apprehension". It's often linked to situations where the future is unclear and potentially threatening.