apprehension of the future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apprehension of the future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings of anxiety or uncertainty about what is to come. Example: "Her apprehension of the future made it difficult for her to enjoy the present moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nangarhar, tucked into the south-eastern corner on the Pakistani border, offers both hope and apprehension for the future.

The Guardian

In this piece, five students give personal accounts of their motivations to become social workers and their apprehensions for the future.

The Guardian

As we move through 2017, there has been a lot of apprehension about the future of access to abortion and reproductive healthcare.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, the sense of apprehension about the future across the region was solidified in polling by Ipsos Mori for Reuters which reported that 51% of people across the north felt the economy will get worse, compared with 27% who said it would remain the same and the just 19% who said it would improve.

The Guardian

So there you have it: Typical Israeli apprehension over the future of Jews with a dollop of self-satisfaction among the Zionists.

The New York Times

Dissatisfaction in healthcare could be due to a glitchy, complicated transition to the Affordable Care Act and apprehension over the future of healthcare - especially in light of the 2016 presidential election.

Huffington Post

Underpinning the discussion of fuerdai in China is a national apprehension about the future élite of a country that is just coming of age.

The New Yorker

The YW-BCI36 contains 36 items and highlights 8 factors: 1) feeling of couple cohesion, 2) negative affectivity and apprehension about the future, 3) management of child(ren) and of everyday life, 4) sharing with close relatives, 5) body image and sexuality, 6) financial difficulties, 7) deterioration of relationships with close relatives, and 8) career management.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

As different U.S states deliberate the legality of DFS, there is understandably some apprehension about the future growth potential of the industry.

TechCrunch

"Increasing uncertainty and apprehension about the future state of the economy and labor market, no doubt a result of the recent slowdown in job growth, are the primary reasons for the sharp reversal in confidence," said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board Consumer Research Center, in a statement.

The New York Times

"Increasing uncertainty and apprehension about the future state of the economy and labor market, no doubt a result of the recent slowdown in job growth, are the primary reasons for the sharp reversal in confidence," said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally or in academic contexts, "apprehension of the future" can add a layer of sophistication compared to simpler terms like "worry".

Common error

While both imply concern, "apprehension" suggests a reasoned anticipation of potential problems, whereas "fear" can be more instinctive or emotional. Use "apprehension" when you want to emphasize a rational basis for concern about the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apprehension of the future" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of mind or feeling.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apprehension of the future" effectively conveys a sense of unease or concern about what is to come. While grammatically sound, Ludwig indicates a lack of real-world examples currently available, suggesting it may not be as frequently used as simpler alternatives. The phrase is best suited for formal contexts where a nuanced understanding of potential future challenges is being communicated. Related phrases, such as "anxiety about the future" or "unease regarding the future", offer similar meanings but may lack the specific implication of reasoned anticipation found in "apprehension of the future".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxiety about the future

Focuses more on the feeling of anxiety rather than the intellectual anticipation of potential problems.

unease regarding the future

Highlights a lack of comfort or peace about upcoming events.

worry about what's to come

Emphasizes concern and potential negative outcomes.

fear of the unknown

Captures the dread associated with uncertainty and unpredictability.

concern for posterity

Shifts the focus to future generations and their well-being.

dread of tomorrow

Conveys a strong sense of impending negativity or doom.

trepidation about impending events

Uses more formal language to express anxiety about upcoming occurrences.

foreboding sense of things to come

Suggests a premonition of negative future events.

uncertainty about what lies ahead

Highlights the lack of clarity or predictability in future prospects.

pessimism toward future prospects

Focuses on a negative outlook and lack of hope for positive outcomes.

FAQs

What does "apprehension of the future" mean?

The phrase "apprehension of the future" refers to a feeling of anxiety or unease about what might happen in the time to come. It suggests a sense of foreboding or concern about potential negative outcomes.

How can I use "apprehension of the future" in a sentence?

You might say, "The environmental report filled citizens with "apprehension of the future"" or "His "apprehension of the future" stemmed from the unstable political climate."

What are some alternatives to "apprehension of the future"?

Some alternatives include "anxiety about the future", "unease regarding the future", or "worry about what's to come", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "apprehension of the future" formal or informal?

"Apprehension of the future" leans toward formal usage, suitable for academic, professional, or news contexts. Simpler terms like "worry" might be more appropriate in informal settings.