apprehensions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'apprehensions' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun and it is used to refer to a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that might happen. For example, "The student had apprehensions about taking the final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We had a rigorous, three-month consultation process led by officers, and the cabinet member for regeneration Rubina Khan was part and parcel of that, and we met the stakeholders and people were quite excited, but of course there was some anxiety and opposition but we made sure we heeded those apprehensions and accommodated them.

The Guardian

By now, any apprehensions have been overcome, and our responses are growing more effusive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a result, India's democratic political system will go a long way towards calming the apprehensions of established powers.

The Economist

Naturally, I am sympathetic to your apprehensions about his nationalistic streak but would you turn a fraction of your critical eye to Britain's past?

The Economist

Yet America's stated ambition to help India become a great power in the 21st century cannot be detached from apprehensions about China's looming might.

The Economist

The assumption was that physical barriers would stop crossers in the cities, and geography would stop them elsewhere.The first assumption turned out to be correct: between 1994 and 2000 the number of apprehensions around San Diego plunged by two-thirds.

The Economist

With the budget deficit looming, the government's poverty-fighting ambitions may be giving way to its fiscal apprehensions.

The Economist

But so are the odds of survival; the number of bodies recovered by border agents has remained stable even as apprehensions have plummeted (see chart).

The Economist

According to the Migration Policy Institute, a think-tank, border enforcement costs $18 billion a year, more than all other federal criminal-law-enforcement agencies combined.To bolster its argument that the border is secure, Barack Obama's administration points to the drop in apprehensions at or near it (see map).

The Economist

Apprehensions have neared record lows in recent years: the average agent catches less than one person a fortnight.

The Economist

In the late 1990s the number of apprehensions shot up in the 260-mile Tucson sector (see chart).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about future events, use "apprehensions" to convey a sense of unease or anxiety about potential outcomes. This term is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "apprehensions" is grammatically correct, it might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more relatable terms like "worries" or "concerns" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of the noun "apprehensions" is to express feelings of anxiety, worry, or unease about potential future events or situations. It is a plural noun, indicating multiple or a general sense of concern, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apprehensions" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that conveys a sense of anxiety or unease about future events. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions to articulate anticipated difficulties and potential risks, finding common use in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While versatile, be mindful of the formality it brings to the context, and consider synonyms like "worries" or "concerns" for less formal settings. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "apprehensions" into your writing to express caution and foresight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxieties

Emphasizes a state of worry and unease, similar to "apprehensions" but often with a stronger emotional intensity.

worries

A more general term for concerns about potential problems or negative outcomes.

concerns

Highlights specific issues or matters that cause anxiety or unease.

fears

Focuses specifically on feelings of dread or terror regarding potential threats or dangers.

misgivings

Suggests doubts or reservations about the likely outcome or advisability of something.

trepidation

Implies a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

reservations

Indicates doubts or hesitations, often regarding the acceptance or approval of something.

forebodings

Conveys a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen in the future.

unease

Expresses a general feeling of discomfort, anxiety, or restlessness.

doubts

Signifies uncertainty or lack of conviction regarding the truth or reliability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "apprehensions" in a sentence?

You can use "apprehensions" to express feelings of anxiety or unease about future events. For example, "The community voiced its apprehensions about the new development project."

What are some alternatives to "apprehensions"?

You can use alternatives like "anxieties", "worries", or "concerns" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I have apprehensions about this"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Saying "I have apprehensions about this" conveys that you have feelings of anxiety or unease about a particular situation or event.

What's the difference between "apprehensions" and "fears"?

"Apprehensions" generally refer to a more general sense of unease or anxiety, while "fears" indicate a more intense and specific feeling of dread or terror.