a secret apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secret apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hidden or unacknowledged feeling of anxiety or fear about something. Example: "Despite her calm demeanor, there was a secret apprehension about the upcoming presentation that she couldn't shake off."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

So he approaches medical school with a combination of wild-man clownishness, secret apprehension and studied cool.

The New York Times

412); the apprehension of beautiful objects strikes the mind with a "secret [i.e., inexplicable] satisfaction and complacency" (Addison and Steele 1879, no. 412).

SEP

A secret.

The New York Times

There's a secret behind the secret.

The New York Times

"That is a secret.

Independent

A secret dunce gene?

The New Yorker

Alice has a secret.

The New York Times - Books

It is a secret.

The Guardian

(This, a secret secret, is known as a double secret).

The New Yorker

It was a secret.

The New York Times

A secret French villa.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a secret apprehension" to convey a sense of hidden or unspoken anxiety. This phrase is best suited for formal or literary contexts where you want to add a layer of subtlety to the character's emotions or the overall atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "a secret apprehension" in everyday conversation. This phrase is quite formal and can sound unnatural in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "a hidden worry" or "an unacknowledged fear" are more appropriate for informal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secret apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, where "secret" modifies the noun "apprehension". It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing a hidden or unspoken feeling of unease. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a secret apprehension" describes a hidden feeling of anxiety or fear. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI suggests it is not frequently used. It is most appropriate for formal or literary contexts where subtlety and nuanced emotional expression are desired. Simpler alternatives are generally preferable in informal settings. Despite its correct usage, its rarity across diverse authoritative sources tempers its overall impact. Using the phrase is best applied to written and more formal contexts rather than conversational tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A hidden anxiety

Replaces "apprehension" with "anxiety" emphasizing the underlying unease.

A suppressed fear

Substitutes "apprehension" with "fear", highlighting the feeling of dread being kept in check.

An unacknowledged worry

Emphasizes that the worry isn't openly admitted or confronted.

A concealed disquiet

Uses "disquiet" to suggest a subtle but pervasive feeling of unease kept hidden.

A private trepidation

Replaces "apprehension" with "trepidation", stressing the personal and concealed nature of the fear.

An inner fear

Highlights that the fear is internal and personal.

A lurking anxiety

Suggests the anxiety is present but not immediately obvious, subtly threatening.

A veiled unease

Implies the unease is covered or disguised, but still present.

An unexpressed dread

Focuses on the feeling of dread being unvoiced and internal.

A silent fear

Underscores that the fear is not spoken about or outwardly displayed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a secret apprehension" to describe a hidden or unspoken feeling of anxiety or fear. For example: "Despite her confident facade, she harbored "a secret apprehension" about the upcoming performance."

What are some alternatives to "a secret apprehension"?

Alternatives include "a hidden fear", "an unspoken anxiety", or "a private worry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a secret apprehension" a common phrase?

No, "a secret apprehension" is not a commonly used phrase. It's more formal and less frequent than simpler alternatives.

What is the difference between "a secret apprehension" and "a public apprehension"?

"A secret apprehension" refers to a hidden or personal fear, while "a public apprehension" describes a widespread or generally known anxiety. The key difference lies in whether the fear is concealed or openly acknowledged.