an apprehensive time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an apprehensive time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by feelings of anxiety or unease. Example: "During the economic downturn, many families experienced an apprehensive time as they worried about their financial stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a reader and now viewer – and let's just get it out there from the get-go, I'm an evangelistic fan of the book – this is an apprehensive time indeed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

She is an apprehensive driver and her answers were vague.

The New Yorker

A few photos have been released of Seif al-Islam wearing an apprehensive look.

The New Yorker

"He's just nervous and afraid of life," he says, sounding an apprehensive note.

The New York Times - Magazine

After breakfast, an apprehensive Williams was fitted into his special safety suit.

Forbes

"Surfers, as a bunch, are an apprehensive group," he says.

Huffington Post

Aerial skiers are all apprehensive every time we make our way down the unstable plastic material launching us into the summer training pool.

Huffington Post

"I was a little apprehensive, because any time you change equipment that you've had success with, you're a little apprehensive.

The New York Times - Sports

We felt a bit apprehensive at the time, but it's been useful because I can sing Malay songs now.

BBC

Instead, it was the Edinburgh side who appeared emphatically the more apprehensive, taking a long time even to stray as far forward as the home half of the field.

The Guardian - Sport

The standard we aspire to makes me apprehensive at times, as does the dawning realisation of just how far I've got to travel by the end of the year.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a future event, use "an apprehensive time" to set the tone for potential negative outcomes or challenges, creating anticipation in the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an apprehensive time" in overly casual conversations; its somewhat formal tone is best suited for more serious or reflective writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an apprehensive time" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying the noun "time" with the adjective "apprehensive". According to Ludwig AI, this indicates a period characterized by anxiety or unease. The examples provided by Ludwig further illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science & Research

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an apprehensive time" is a phrase used to describe a period marked by anxiety, unease, or anticipation of potential problems. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. While the phrase isn't overly formal, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting its suitability for more serious or reflective writing. Alternative phrases such as "a worrying period" or "a time of anxiety" may be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be mindful of the context in which you use this phrase, avoiding overuse in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a time of anxiety

Directly states the presence of anxiety during the time.

a period of unease

Emphasizes a lack of comfort and a sense of disquiet.

a worrying period

Focuses on the concern and anxiety associated with the time.

a fearful period

Highlights the feeling of fear and apprehension.

a tense moment

Highlights the stress and strain present during that time.

a precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the circumstances.

a fraught period

Suggests a time filled with difficulty and anxiety.

an unsettling phase

Highlights the disturbing and disquieting nature of the time.

a period of uncertainty

Focuses on the lack of clarity and predictability.

a troubled time

Suggests difficulties and problems during the period.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an apprehensive time" in a sentence?

Use "an apprehensive time" to describe periods marked by worry or unease about potential future events. For instance, "The company faced "an apprehensive time" during the merger negotiations".

What are some alternatives to using "an apprehensive time"?

Consider using phrases like "a time of anxiety", "a worrying period", or "a period of uncertainty" as alternatives to "an apprehensive time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "an apprehensive time" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "an apprehensive time" leans towards formal usage. In casual settings, simpler phrases like "a worrying time" or "a time of unease" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "an apprehensive time" from "a period of fear"?

"An apprehensive time" suggests a broader sense of unease and anticipation of potential problems, while "a period of fear" specifically emphasizes the emotion of fear as the dominant characteristic of the period.