a major apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a significant concern or worry about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The team's decision to cut funding raised a major apprehension among the staff regarding job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The undetermined extent of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder mobilisation is a major apprehension in the design and construction of bituminous mixtures with RAP.

Construction and Building Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

While there's no chapter in Justice Breyer's book called "Legitimacy: Why I'm Worried," The New Yorker's Jeffrey Toobin points to the judicial activism of Chief Justice John Roberts and the conservative majority as a major source of apprehension for Justice Breyer.

The New York Times

Television played a major role in the apprehensions.

The New York Times

That apprehension is likely to be a major concern for high profile start-ups, like Zynga and Facebook, both of which are expected to go public in the coming months.

The New York Times

A major theme in the students' evaluation dealt with their apprehension and anxiety prior to the video taped consultations and feedback group discussion.

BMC Medical Education

The Boeing system, along with the surge in Border Patrol agents, has resulted in a major drop in attempted illegal crossings, he said, with apprehensions dropping 80 percent since their peak in 2000, considered a sign of a drop in overall traffic.

The New York Times

They had briefed a local fugitive-apprehension team that morning, telling them that a major suspect would be passing through the airport.

The New Yorker

The Octet is written in a major key but the feeling is of a minor one; there is melancholy and apprehension.

The Guardian - Music

My apprehension is the last time I warmed up, I reminisced a bit and also was cognizant of the fact that this could be the last time I throw a pitch in a major league stadium.

The New York Times

A major, major talent.

BBC

"There is a general apprehension," Mr. Williams said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major apprehension", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the apprehension. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a major apprehension" for minor concerns. Reserve this phrase for situations where the worry is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a significant source of worry or concern, as supported by Ludwig's examples where it's used to describe substantial issues in construction, politics, and personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major apprehension" is a noun phrase used to express significant worry or concern, often in formal contexts. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While similar phrases like "a significant worry" or "a serious concern" exist, "a major apprehension" carries a weightier tone, suggesting a more substantial cause for anxiety. Though its usage is less frequent than other alternatives, its presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity in expressing serious concerns. It is essential to reserve this phrase for scenarios where the worry is genuinely significant to avoid overstating the concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant worry

Replaces "apprehension" with "worry", indicating a notable concern.

a serious concern

Substitutes "apprehension" with "concern", emphasizing the gravity of the issue.

a great fear

Replaces "apprehension" with "fear", highlighting the intensity of the unease.

a primary source of anxiety

Expresses "apprehension" as a root cause of anxiety, focusing on the emotional impact.

a considerable unease

Replaces "apprehension" with "unease", suggesting a notable level of discomfort.

a key cause for concern

Highlights that the apprehension is a central reason for worry.

a substantial misgiving

Uses "misgiving" to express a feeling of doubt or apprehension about something.

a critical point of worry

Focuses on the importance of the worry, similar to a major apprehension.

a notable reservation

Emphasizes a significant doubt or reservation, similar to a feeling of apprehension.

a weighty concern

Indicates the concern is significant and has implications.

FAQs

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

Use "a major apprehension" to highlight a significant worry or concern about something. For example: "The company's financial instability is "a major apprehension" for its employees".

What are some alternatives to "a major apprehension"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a significant worry", "a serious concern", or "a great fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "major apprehension" or "significant apprehension"?

Both "major apprehension" and "significant apprehension" are acceptable. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "Major" suggests greater importance, while "significant" implies notable impact.

What makes "a major apprehension" different from "a minor concern"?

"A major apprehension" indicates a substantial worry that could have significant consequences. In contrast, "a minor concern" suggests a smaller, less impactful worry.