are apprehensive that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are apprehensive that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or anxiety about a specific situation or outcome. Example: "Many employees are apprehensive that the upcoming changes will affect their job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Insurers are apprehensive that some of their new customers, having been uninsured for years, will have costly existing conditions.

The New York Times

Western officials are apprehensive that a security vacuum might be filled by the al-Qaeda linked Jabhat al-Nusra.

Independent

Israelis, he said, are apprehensive that Obama will ease the staunchly pro-Israel stance of his predecessor, George W. Bush.

The Washington Post

Although the United States has said that it had no "con clusive" evidence, Egyptian of ficials are apprehensive that the missile issue may develop into an emotional obstacle to the Jarring mission.

The New York Times

For the future, they do not believe the recession will affect shoe sales appreciably, but are apprehensive that it might lead to growing protectionism that could cut into overseas growth.

The New York Times

Even so, many drug company executives say they are apprehensive that the Republican bill could eventually lead to some form of price regulation, or at least government pressure on drug companies to hold down prices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The CIA was apprehensive that Pakistani intelligence cooperation against other militant groups would be undermined.

The Washington Post

Now, driving through the gates, I was apprehensive that the scars of another conflict might have fractured a fragile revival.

Independent

I knew lots of people who were apprehensive that the suffering would turn out to be worthless.

The New Yorker

Users were apprehensive that the new terms of service meant that data on their favorite things would be shared with Facebook and its advertisers.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Nasser made it clear that he was apprehensive that the United States, in reaction to the latest Soviet assistance, might yield to the Israeli de mands.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary. While "are apprehensive that" is perfectly acceptable, using synonyms like "are concerned that" or "are worried that" can make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using prepositions after "that" when using the phrase "are apprehensive that". For example, do not say "are apprehensive that about" or "are apprehensive that of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are apprehensive that" functions as a predicate adjective, expressing a state of worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its use in conveying concern about a specific situation or outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are apprehensive that" is a grammatically sound and reasonably common way to express worry or unease about a future event. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English when expressing concern about a specific situation or outcome. While synonyms like "are worried that" or "are concerned that" exist, "are apprehensive that" carries a slightly more formal tone. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications, reflecting its versatility in various contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of correct preposition usage to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are worried that

Replaces "apprehensive" with a more common synonym, reducing the formality.

are concerned that

Similar to "worried", but may suggest a slightly more reasoned or considered concern.

fear that

A more direct and potentially stronger expression of worry.

are anxious that

Highlights the anxiety or unease associated with the potential outcome.

are uneasy that

Suggests a feeling of discomfort or disquiet about something.

are afraid that

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing fear or apprehension.

have fears that

Emphasizes the existence of multiple concerns or anxieties.

anticipate with concern that

More formal, emphasizing the anticipation of an event with negative consequences.

foresee with anxiety that

Suggests a prediction of an event coupled with anxiety.

are skeptical that

Highlights doubt or disbelief about a potential outcome.

FAQs

What does "are apprehensive that" mean?

The phrase "are apprehensive that" means feeling anxious, worried, or uneasy about the possibility of something happening. It indicates a sense of foreboding or concern regarding a future event or situation.

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

You can use "are apprehensive that" to express concern about a potential outcome. For example: "The investors "are concerned that" the new regulations will negatively impact the market".

What are some alternatives to "are apprehensive that"?

Alternatives to "are apprehensive that" include "are worried that", "are concerned that", or "fear that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are apprehensive that" or "are apprehensive about"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "are apprehensive that" is typically followed by a clause expressing the concern, whereas "are apprehensive about" is followed by a noun or gerund. For example: "They are apprehensive that the project will fail" versus "They are apprehensive about the project's success".