are apprehensive about

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "are apprehensive about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when saying that someone is afraid or worried about something. For example: The students are apprehensive about their upcoming exams.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is clear from their responses that CEOs are apprehensive about, as one put it, managing the dual roles of Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside.

Harvard Business Review

"One way of overcoming performance anxiety is the use of visualization, which is seeing and hearing yourself performing well in the situation you are apprehensive about," says Aidan Moran, a professor of cognitive psychology at University College Dublin.

Science Magazine

And old folks are apprehensive about leaving their homes".

The New Yorker

The officials, however, are apprehensive about the terms.

The New York Times

Some residents are apprehensive about returning to Labor though.

The Guardian

Companies are apprehensive about having too many different privacy standards.

The New York Times

"All elected officials are apprehensive about this," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

His aides are apprehensive about Secretary of State Haig's highly visible profile.

The New Yorker

Opinion polls have consistently shown that a majority of European consumers are apprehensive about such technology.

The New York Times

Texans who are apprehensive about dramatic demographic change have found his fairness and pragmatism reassuring.

The Economist

Some reproductive rights proponents say hospitals are apprehensive about extending admitting privileges to abortion providers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are apprehensive about" when you want to express a mild form of anxiety or unease about a future event or situation. It's often a more nuanced way of saying "are worried about."

Common error

While "are apprehensive about" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in very formal documents like academic papers. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs that directly convey the specific type of concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are apprehensive about" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of mind. It indicates a feeling of unease, anxiety, or mild fear regarding a future event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are apprehensive about" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a feeling of unease or anxiety regarding something in the future. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the specific writing situation. Consider alternatives like "are concerned about" or "are worried about" to add nuance to your writing. When using the phrase, focus on conveying the specific cause of the apprehension clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are anxious about

Indicates a state of worry and unease about something, often with a slightly stronger emotional charge than "apprehensive".

are concerned about

Focuses on a sense of care and worry about a particular issue or situation, suggesting a desire for a positive outcome.

are worried about

Implies a state of mental distress and anxiety about potential problems or negative outcomes.

have reservations about

Suggests a cautious or doubtful attitude towards something, implying some hesitation or uncertainty.

are uneasy about

Conveys a feeling of discomfort or anxiety about a situation, often due to a lack of clarity or control.

are fearful of

Indicates a strong emotion of dread or terror related to something.

are dreading

Highlights a strong feeling of aversion or reluctance towards something that is expected to happen.

are having misgivings about

Suggests a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the wisdom or advisability of a particular course of action.

are skeptical about

Expresses doubt or disbelief about something, implying a need for more evidence or reassurance.

are hesitant about

Expresses reluctance or unwillingness to do something, often due to uncertainty or fear of negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "are apprehensive about" in a sentence?

You can use "are apprehensive about" to express a feeling of anxiety or unease about something that might happen. For example, "Students "are apprehensive about" their upcoming exams".

What's the difference between "are apprehensive about" and "are afraid of"?

"Are afraid of" implies a stronger, more intense fear, while "are apprehensive about" suggests a milder, more nuanced feeling of unease or anxiety. You're more likely to be "apprehensive about" a presentation than "afraid of" it.

What can I say instead of "are apprehensive about"?

You can use alternatives like "are concerned about", "are worried about", or "have reservations about" depending on the context.

Is it always correct to use "are apprehensive about"?

While generally correct, consider the formality of the context. In very formal writing, a more precise verb might be preferred. Always ensure the phrase accurately reflects the level of anxiety or unease you intend to convey.