as apprehensive as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as apprehensive as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of apprehension of one person or thing to another. Example: "She was as apprehensive as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Emmanuel Landré, general manager of Le Gavroche, says that customers are as apprehensive as proprietors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Planning a return trip to my favorite beach in the world, I was almost as apprehensive as I was excited.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Nelson was described by one of his lawyers as "apprehensive" as he waited in a Federal jail in Brooklyn to learn his fate.

The New York Times

When Child and DeVoto finally meet, more than two years after beginning their correspondence, the reader is as apprehensive as anyone who has ever gone on a hopeful first date.

The New York Times - Books

"A voice comes to one in the dark": this, the first line of the late novella "Company," also describes the ideal situation of his contemporary reader, as innocent and as apprehensive as that, as ready to be startled.

The New Yorker

Nine months earlier Swansea City had arrived in Manchester as Premier League new boys as apprehensive as a new kid starting his first day at school.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"People certainly are not as intense, not as apprehensive," said Mr. Goldberg, who is also a defense lawyer who travels widely in the Southwest.

The New York Times

This method could be useful for patients with a low pain threshold as well as apprehensive adults and children.

Progress in Orthodontics

Yet some Russian troops are reportedly just as apprehensive about the situation in Syria as the rebels.

Vice

Most of all, I'm not as apprehensive about taking on some new recipes that require more than three ingredients (as embarrassing as that is to admit).

Huffington Post

But in a superbly shaded portrait she gives the character a troubled, apprehensive guardedness as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as apprehensive as", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Apprehensive" suggests a mild form of anxiety or worry, so ensure it aligns with the intended emotional intensity.

Common error

While "apprehensive" is acceptable, avoid overuse, especially in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by using more precise synonyms like "anxious", "concerned", or "worried" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as apprehensive as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe the degree to which someone or something experiences apprehension, by comparing it to a known or expected level, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as apprehensive as" serves as a comparative tool to illustrate a specific degree of worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase across different contexts. While it's more frequently found in news and media, its usage remains versatile. When employing this phrase, ensure that the comparison enhances the clarity and impact of your writing. For alternatives, consider options like "as anxious as" or "as worried as" to tailor the emotional intensity to your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as anxious as

Replaces "apprehensive" with a synonym indicating worry or nervousness.

as worried as

Substitutes "apprehensive" with a more general term for concern.

as nervous as

Focuses on agitated or jumpy feelings, often in anticipation of something.

as uneasy as

Emphasizes a lack of comfort or security, rather than direct fear.

as concerned as

Highlights a sense of care or responsibility contributing to worry.

as fearful as

Indicates a stronger sense of dread or fright compared to apprehension.

as hesitant as

Stresses pausing or delaying an action due to uncertainty or worry.

as reluctant as

Shifts the emphasis to unwillingness or hesitation due to fear or doubt.

as cautious as

Highlights carefulness and circumspection driven by concern.

as doubtful as

Implies uncertainty or disbelief causing a level of anxiety.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as apprehensive as" is used to compare the level of worry or anxiety someone feels to something else. For example, "He was "as apprehensive as" a student awaiting exam results."

What are some alternatives to "as apprehensive as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "as anxious as", "as worried as", or "as fearful as" to convey similar meanings with slightly different emotional intensities.

Is it correct to say "as apprehensive like" instead of "as apprehensive as"?

No, the correct phrase is "as apprehensive as". The word "like" is not grammatically correct in this comparative construction. You should always use "as" for both parts of the comparison: "as apprehensive as".

How does "as apprehensive as" differ from "feeling apprehensive"?

"As apprehensive as" is a comparative phrase used to liken someone's feeling to something else, while "feeling apprehensive" simply describes the state of experiencing worry or unease. The former is used for comparisons, the latter for direct description.