a misapprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a misapprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a misunderstanding or a mistaken belief about something. Example: "Her assumption that he was angry was simply a misapprehension; he was actually quite calm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a misapprehension.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is too horrible of a misapprehension of everything".

The New York Times

But behind the common complaint, there's a misapprehension.

The Guardian

"Parliament made a gracious act under a misapprehension," he said.

The Guardian

According to what he told Captain Less, he joined the S.D. under a misapprehension.

The New Yorker

A lot of Mr. Lipsyte's folk hero status among younger writers comes from a misapprehension.

The New York Times - Books

But it is a misapprehension to think her work speaks only to the devout.

The New York Times - Books

But this would be a misapprehension of how the Hollywood-marketing game works in 2019.

The Washington Post

It is also a misapprehension of the purpose of the environmentalists' suit.

The New York Times

NEXT Thursday, as they do every year, American families will sit down to a misapprehension.

The New York Times - Food

It's a misapprehension based on a misinterpretation based on a mistranslation.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a misapprehension" when you want to emphasize that a belief or understanding is not just incorrect, but based on faulty reasoning or information.

Common error

Avoid using "a misapprehension" interchangeably with simpler terms like "mistake" when you want to convey a deeper level of misunderstanding rooted in flawed assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a misapprehension" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state of misunderstanding or a mistaken belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a misapprehension" is a noun phrase used to describe a misunderstanding or mistaken belief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently used in news and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, it's best to emphasize the faulty reasoning or information behind the incorrect belief, rather than using it as a simple substitute for "mistake". Alternatives include "a misconception" and "a misunderstanding", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a misconception

Focuses on the incorrectness of the concept itself.

a misunderstanding

Emphasizes the lack of clear understanding.

a false assumption

Highlights the incorrect basis of the belief.

a flawed understanding

Emphasizes the imperfection in comprehension.

an error in judgment

Highlights the flawed decision-making process.

a faulty impression

Focuses on the incorrect image formed.

an inaccurate perception

Focuses on the incorrectness of the sensory input or interpretation.

a distorted view

Highlights the warped or twisted nature of the understanding.

a skewed interpretation

Emphasizes the biased nature of the understanding.

a fallacious belief

Highlights the logical error in the belief.

FAQs

How to use "a misapprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "a misapprehension" to describe a mistaken belief or understanding. For example, "It was "a misapprehension" that the project would be completed on time."

What can I say instead of "a misapprehension"?

You can use alternatives like "a misconception", "a misunderstanding", or "a false assumption" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a misapprehension" or "an apprehension"?

"A misapprehension" refers to a misunderstanding or incorrect belief. "Apprehension" alone means anxiety or fear that something bad will happen. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "a misapprehension" and "a mistake"?

"A misapprehension" implies a deeper misunderstanding based on faulty reasoning or information, while "a mistake" is a more general term for an error.