a note of apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a note of apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of concern or unease about a situation or event. Example: "During the meeting, there was a note of apprehension in her voice as she discussed the upcoming changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Jackson recalled that his manager called about "The Onion" with a note of apprehension in her voice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So he points the camera 180 degrees away from the star a fair bit of the time, and that view introduces a queasy note of apprehension into the otherwise wholesome picture.

The New York Times

His stomach was a knot of apprehension - he had not slept the previous night at all.

BBC

An official report on competition in British food and grocery retailing, published in 2000, noted a "general climate of apprehension" among suppliers terrified that, if they talked, their goods might no longer be wanted by angry buyers.

The Economist

It definitely creates a bit of apprehension".

The Guardian - Sport

"There is a state of apprehension.

The New York Times

Obviously, there was a lot of apprehension".

The New York Times

Now there is a state of apprehension in the city.

The New York Times

It must have been a sign of apprehension.

The Guardian - Sport

Then they breathed in a whiff of apprehension.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a note of apprehension" to subtly indicate concern or unease without being overly dramatic. It's particularly effective in professional or formal writing where understatement is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "a note of apprehension" when a stronger term like "alarm" or "dread" is more appropriate. This phrase is best suited for mild to moderate levels of concern, not intense fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a note of apprehension" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a subtle indication or expression of unease or concern. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a note of apprehension" is a grammatically correct phrase used to subtly convey unease or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and is suitable for neutral to formal writing. While alternatives like "a hint of unease" or "a touch of anxiety" exist, this phrase specifically suggests a perceptible but not overwhelming level of worry. Its correct usage avoids overstating the feeling and fits scenarios where understatement is valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of unease

Focuses on a slight feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

a touch of anxiety

Highlights the presence of worry or nervousness.

a shade of concern

Emphasizes a slight worry or interest in a negative situation.

a sign of worry

Highlights the external manifestation of concern.

a degree of fear

Indicates a measurable level of fright or alarm.

a sense of foreboding

Implies a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

a tremor of trepidation

Suggests a slight trembling due to fear or nervousness.

a wave of disquiet

Conveys a feeling of restlessness or disturbance.

an air of uncertainty

Focuses on a lack of confidence or sureness.

a shadow of doubt

Indicates a slight uncertainty or disbelief.

FAQs

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

You can use "a note of apprehension" to describe a subtle feeling of unease or concern in someone's voice, behavior, or the atmosphere of a situation. For example: "There was "a note of apprehension" in her voice when she spoke about the upcoming changes."

What phrases are similar to "a note of apprehension"?

Alternatives include "a hint of unease", "a touch of anxiety", or "a shade of concern". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a note of apprehension"?

Yes, "a note of apprehension" is a correct and commonly understood phrase in English. It effectively communicates a mild sense of unease or concern.

What's the difference between "a note of apprehension" and "a feeling of apprehension"?

"A note of apprehension" often refers to a subtle indication or expression of unease, while "a feeling of apprehension" describes the internal sensation or emotion itself. The former is often observable, the latter is subjective.