apprehensive colleagues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apprehensive colleagues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe colleagues who are feeling anxious or fearful about a situation or task. Example: "During the meeting, I noticed my apprehensive colleagues were hesitant to voice their concerns about the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some were apprehensive that their colleagues could interpret sitting at the computer as avoiding work.

BMC Health Services Research

Whenever I talk to colleagues who are apprehensive about starting again and joining a new school, I tell them it's the best thing for their career.

The Guardian

My colleagues were somewhat apprehensive about this new approach, but many were surprisingly open to it because they too recognized the need to try something different.

Science Magazine

My colleagues and I were apprehensive, but when we were finally able to get hold of the parts it turned out to be music of incredible sensuousness and vitality.

The Guardian - Music

Think of the last time you felt apprehensive about a tough conversation with a colleague, boss, or loved one.

Huffington Post

Participants were apprehensive about disclosing their participation in the trial to employers and workplace colleagues because of the public secrecy that still pervades HIV and AIDS.

BMC Women's Health

Cameroonian activists, visibly shaken, scared and apprehensive, were not only shocked by the fact that they had lost a friend and colleague in this brutal manner, but also by the possibility that they might soon be a target.

Huffington Post

We're apprehensive.

The New York Times

Foreign investors are apprehensive.

The Washington Post

The players were apprehensive.

The New York Times - Arts

She was looking apprehensive.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing team dynamics, use "apprehensive colleagues" to specifically highlight a sense of anxiety or foreboding among the group, often related to upcoming changes or uncertain outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "apprehensive colleagues" when simply describing differing opinions or disagreements. "Apprehensive" implies a level of anxiety or fear, not just a difference in viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apprehensive colleagues" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "apprehensive" modifies the noun "colleagues". Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase. It is used to describe a group of coworkers who are feeling anxious or fearful about something.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apprehensive colleagues" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe coworkers who are feeling anxious or fearful. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, this phrase currently lacks sufficient examples in Ludwig's database to provide a detailed analysis of its usage patterns, authoritative sources or frequency within various contexts. However, the phrase is best suited to describe situations involving risk, uncertainty, or significant change, as its use denotes worry, fear, or anxiety as opposed to general disagreement. Related terms include "anxious coworkers", "worried teammates" and "concerned associates".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious coworkers

Replaces "apprehensive" with a more common synonym, "anxious", while keeping the focus on the colleagues.

nervous colleagues

Substitutes "apprehensive" with "nervous" for a more casual tone.

hesitant colleagues

Highlights the reluctance of the colleagues by using "hesitant" as a substitute for "apprehensive".

worried teammates

Substitutes "colleagues" with "teammates" to emphasize collaboration, and "apprehensive" with "worried" for a slightly milder tone.

concerned associates

Uses "concerned" as a synonym for "apprehensive" and replaces "colleagues" with the more formal term "associates".

cautious colleagues

Highlights the element of caution and wariness by using "cautious" instead of "apprehensive".

uneasy peers

Replaces "apprehensive" with "uneasy" to highlight a lack of comfort and substitutes "colleagues" with "peers".

fearful colleagues

Emphasizes the presence of fear by using "fearful" instead of "apprehensive".

doubtful collaborators

Focuses on the element of doubt or skepticism by using "doubtful" instead of "apprehensive" and "collaborators" instead of "colleagues".

restless colleagues

Emphasizes a state of unease and agitation among colleagues.

FAQs

How can I use "apprehensive colleagues" in a sentence?

You can use "apprehensive colleagues" to describe a team's reaction to a new initiative. For instance, "The manager addressed the apprehensive colleagues, assuring them that the changes would be beneficial in the long run".

What are some alternatives to saying "apprehensive colleagues"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "anxious coworkers", "worried teammates", or "concerned associates".

Is it better to say "apprehensive colleagues" or "nervous colleagues"?

"Apprehensive" suggests a more thoughtful or reasoned anxiety, while "nervous" implies a more general unease. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "apprehensive colleagues" in professional writing?

Use "apprehensive colleagues" when you specifically want to highlight a sense of unease or concern among team members, particularly in situations involving risk, uncertainty, or significant change. Consider alternatives like "cautious colleagues" if the emotion is more about careful consideration than fear.