a feeling of trepidation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feeling of trepidation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of fear or anxiety about something that may happen in the future. Example: "As she approached the stage to give her speech, she was overcome by a feeling of trepidation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Vice

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It all adds up to a feeling of trepidation about the world beyond their historic campus.

The Guardian

Second, politicians across the region must be greeting the news from Croatia with a feeling of trepidation.

The Economist

When I began working on my new book detailing the new language, I came with a feeling of trepidation.

The New York Times

Curtis Strange may have won the US Open in 1988, but there was a feeling of trepidation as the final major of the year approached, that America had been overtaken as the premier force in the sport, and with the continent of Europe scooping three of the last five majors played, plus the last two Ryder Cups, the shift in power seemed significant.

The Guardian - Sport

When I first walked into Molly Bakes, the Dalston freakshake café run by husband and wife Olly and Maria, it was with a feeling of trepidation.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"There's a feeling of extreme trepidation," says Luke Akehurst, former NEC member.

Vice

He truly laid his soul bare and although he admitted to having a slight feeling of trepidation, he cruised through it like a champion - and in his baby pink denim jacket and a hat he picked up from a flea market in the States.

Vice

What happens to him is like what happens to the straight audience – he mirrors the slight feeling of trepidation.

The Guardian - Film

This feeling of trepidation goes beyond California.

Huffington Post

The tutor had earlier spoken about the feeling of trepidation he has when entering the prison, replaced by hope when he leaves.The prisoners had challenged him, over the years, on what writing looked like.

Vice

"I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a feeling of trepidation", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or reason for the anxiety. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a feeling of trepidation" in everyday situations where simpler words like "nervousness" or "unease" would suffice. Save it for more significant or formal contexts to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeling of trepidation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes an emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Example: "There was a feeling of trepidation as the final major of the year approached."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Vice

10%

The Guardian

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a feeling of trepidation" is a phrase used to describe a sense of anxiety, fear, or apprehension, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, as its slightly elevated tone is less common in informal settings. The phrase is primarily found in news and media sources. Related alternatives include "a sense of apprehension" and "a feeling of anxiety". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the source of the anxiety for enhanced clarity. While "a feeling of trepidation" isn't exceedingly common, its precise connotation makes it a valuable tool for expressing specific emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of anxiety

Highlights the worry and nervousness, emphasizing the mental state more directly.

a feeling of dread

Emphasizes the fear and reluctance, intensifying the negative anticipation.

a sense of apprehension

Focuses more on anticipation of something negative, slightly reducing the intensity of fear.

a feeling of apprehension

Emphasizes the expectation of future adversity, slightly reducing the intensity of the fear itself.

a feeling of foreboding

Implies a strong sense that something bad is going to happen, increasing the sense of dread.

a sense of worry

Focuses on the mental preoccupation and concern, minimizing the physical reaction of fear.

a sense of unease

Indicates a mild form of anxiety or discomfort, lessening the stronger emotion of fear.

a sense of misgiving

Highlights a doubt or concern about the outcome, lessening the explicit fear.

a sense of alarm

Highlights sudden fear and concern, emphasizing the reactive aspect of the feeling.

a feeling of disquiet

Signifies a subtle disturbance in one's peace of mind, diminishing the intense fear.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a feeling of trepidation" in a sentence?

Use "a feeling of trepidation" to describe a sense of fear or anxiety about something that is about to happen. For example, "She approached the interview with "a feeling of trepidation", unsure of what questions she would face."

What are some alternatives to "a feeling of trepidation"?

Alternatives include "a sense of apprehension", "a feeling of anxiety", or "a sense of unease". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sense of trepidation" instead of "a feeling of trepidation"?

Yes, both "a feeling of trepidation" and "a sense of trepidation" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

What distinguishes "a feeling of trepidation" from "a feeling of excitement"?

"A feeling of trepidation" implies anxiety or fear about something that is about to happen, while "a feeling of excitement" suggests anticipation and enthusiasm. They are contrasting emotions.