a reasonable apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing a justified fear or concern about a situation or outcome. Example: "The employee had a reasonable apprehension that the changes in management would lead to job losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It follows that, at the very least, a reasonable apprehension of bias arises".

The Guardian

Martin said on Monday his resignation had come at his own initiative, and it was not an admission that he doubted his capacity to be independent, "nor does it imply that I accept that there is or would be a reasonable apprehension of bias".

The Guardian

The operative statute in this case forbids employers from firing an employee who "refuses to operate a vehicle because the employee has a reasonable apprehension of serious injury to the employee or the public".

Huffington Post

In general, relevant factors include the presence of a deadly weapon, the distance between the parties, direction of movement of the suspect, size disparities, the crime involved, or other facts or behaviors that create a reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or a third party.

Huffington Post

The criminal code lists the hoax charge as an offence that intends to "cause any person to fear death, bodily harm" and conveys information that is likely to "cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur, without believing the information to be true".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Magistrate Paul Falzon questioned the legitimacy of Hunt's assertions, and said the court would require demonstration of "reasonable apprehension" of a threatening or violent action.

Wikipedia

That's how the research plays out, but there is still reasonable apprehension towards using VR in such a pragmatic way.

Vice

A reasonable question.

The New Yorker

seems a reasonable estimate.

The New York Times

A reasonable landlord.

The New York Times

— a reasonable goal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal contexts, 'a reasonable apprehension' often implies that a neutral observer would share the concern based on the available information.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable apprehension" when the concern is based on speculation or unsubstantiated rumors. Reserve the phrase for situations where there is concrete evidence or a clear and logical basis for the fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable apprehension" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of justified fear or concern. It often acts as the object of a verb or preposition, specifying what someone is reasonably afraid of. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reasonable apprehension" denotes a justified fear or concern, implying that the apprehension is based on logical reasoning or evidence rather than mere speculation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure that the reasons behind the apprehension are clear and well-supported. Alternatives include "a justified concern" or "a legitimate fear".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justified concern

Focuses on the validity of the concern rather than the feeling of apprehension.

a legitimate fear

Emphasizes the fear aspect, suggesting the fear is based on real grounds.

a well-founded worry

Highlights that the worry has a solid basis or reason.

a valid anxiety

Replaces 'apprehension' with 'anxiety', indicating a state of unease and worry with a legitimate cause.

a credible concern

Suggests the concern is believable and worthy of attention.

a sound fear

Implies the fear is logical and based on rational thinking.

a warranted concern

Highlights that the concern is justified or deserved based on the situation.

a sensible worry

Focuses on the rationality and practicality of the worry.

an understandable fear

Emphasizes that the fear is easy to comprehend given the circumstances.

a justifiable anxiety

Combines the concepts of justification and anxiety, highlighting a valid state of unease.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable apprehension" to describe a justified fear or concern about something. For example, "The community had a reasonable apprehension about the environmental impact of the new factory."

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable apprehension"?

Alternatives include "a justified concern", "a legitimate fear", or "a well-founded worry". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a reasonable apprehension" and "a reasonable doubt"?

"A reasonable apprehension" refers to a justified fear or concern, while "a reasonable doubt" refers to uncertainty about someone's guilt in a legal context. They are used in entirely different situations.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a reasonable apprehension"?

It's appropriate to use "a reasonable apprehension" when describing a fear or concern that is based on logical reasoning or evidence, rather than mere speculation or paranoia. It is often used in legal, professional, or formal contexts.