a feeling of apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feeling of apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a sense of unease or anxiety about a future event or situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, she was overwhelmed by a feeling of apprehension about the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"This has created a feeling of apprehension," Mr. Khan said.

The New York Times

There is a feeling of apprehension as they recognise that they have "little offensive game" and they are about to come across Joachim Low's team "who are perhaps the strongest of all"(Il mattino).

Independent

If there was a feeling of apprehension hanging over last week's Daffodil Project Benefit Breakfast, where Michelle Paige Paterson, the new First Lady of New… A political prank, according to a mock dictionary entry on Dick Tuck's business card, is "a political activity, characterized by humor, devised to unmask, ventilate,….

The New Yorker

He was seen as Australia's leading bowler who "was able to inspire [the English] batsmen with a feeling of apprehension".

Wikipedia

Both are experiencing a relatively similar physiological response, but for one that translates into a feeling of anticipation, while for the other it translates into a feeling of apprehension.

Huffington Post

Like many Muslims around the United States, he was torn between both grief for the victims of the terrorist attack and a feeling of apprehension for his own safety in the weeks and months immediately following 9/11.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Anxiety, a feeling of dread, fear, or apprehension, often with no clear justification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

SEight the swanky soundtrack of Igor Stravinksy's "Le Sacre du Printemovablehis party stays lightsd lively.

Vice

Anxiety has been defined as a feeling of fear, dread, or apprehension that arises without a clear or appropriate justification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anxiety disorder, any of several disorders that are characterized by a feeling of fear, dread, or apprehension that arises without a clear or appropriate cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is there still a lingering feeling of apprehension and fear?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a feeling of apprehension" with descriptive language to add nuance. For example, specify the intensity (e.g., "a slight feeling of apprehension") or the cause (e.g., "a feeling of apprehension about the upcoming exam").

Common error

Avoid using "a feeling of apprehension" when a stronger term like "terror" or "panic" is more accurate. "Apprehension" suggests unease, not extreme fear. Using it inappropriately can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeling of apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an emotional state of unease or anxiety about something that might happen. Ludwig's AI confirms this with its real-world examples showcasing diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a feeling of apprehension" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of mild to moderate anxiety or unease. It's grammatically correct, as validated by Ludwig AI, and sees common usage in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey and ensure that "apprehension" accurately reflects the level of anxiety. While not extremely common, this phrase is a useful and nuanced way to describe a specific emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of unease

Replaces "feeling of apprehension" with a more general term for discomfort or anxiety.

a foreboding sensation

Implies a stronger sense of impending doom or negative outcome compared to simple apprehension.

a premonition of worry

Focuses on a predictive element, suggesting the feeling arises from an intuitive sense of future trouble.

an anxious sentiment

Uses a more formal term, "sentiment", to describe the feeling of anxiety.

a trepidatious outlook

Shifts the focus to a general perspective filled with trepidation rather than just a feeling.

a nervous anticipation

Highlights the anticipatory aspect of apprehension, emphasizing nervousness about what's to come.

an impending anxiety

Focuses on the closeness or inevitability of the anxiety.

a looming dread

Emphasizes the sense of something terrible about to happen.

a disquieting emotion

Replaces "feeling" with a more clinical term, "emotion", and describes it as disturbing.

a gathering disquiet

Suggests a growing sense of unease, building up over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a feeling of apprehension" to describe a state of unease or anxiety. For example, "She had "a feeling of apprehension" as she walked into the dark room".

What's a more intense way to express "a feeling of apprehension"?

If you want to express a stronger emotion, consider using terms like "dread", "foreboding", or "terror". These words indicate a higher level of fear or anxiety than "apprehension".

Is "a feeling of apprehension" the same as "anxiety"?

While both relate to unease, "a feeling of apprehension" often refers to a specific instance or anticipation of something negative, whereas "anxiety" can be a more general and persistent state.

What are some less formal alternatives to "a feeling of apprehension"?

In less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "a sense of unease", "butterflies in my stomach", or "on edge" to convey a similar meaning.