as apprehensive as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as apprehensive as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's level of apprehension to that of a specific subject, often an animal or person known for being cautious or fearful. 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

1 human-written examples

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

56 human-written examples

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

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

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"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

"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

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

The New York Times

Mr. Mahmud appeared apprehensive as he talked to a reporter inside a corrugated zinc shack next to the Texaco station.

The New York Times

"What's the point?" asked one fruit-seller.Earlier this week, the Israeli government had been sullenly apprehensive as it prepared for a new American diplomatic initiative designed to prop up the flagging peace process.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as apprehensive as a" to effectively convey a sense of unease or anxiety when introducing a new or uncertain situation. For example, "The team was as apprehensive as a group of students awaiting their exam results."

Common error

While the phrase "as apprehensive as a" is understandable, avoid using it too frequently in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise vocabulary like 'anxious', 'concerned', or 'uneasy' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as apprehensive as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun by describing its state of being, specifically highlighting a feeling of unease or anxiety through comparison, as Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as apprehensive as a" is a comparative adjective phrase used to vividly describe a feeling of unease or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while its usage is relatively rare. Primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts, it aims to emphasize and create a relatable description through comparison. When employing this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as anxious as a

Focuses more on general worry or unease; slightly less specific than apprehension.

as worried as a

Emphasizes concern about potential problems or negative outcomes.

as fearful as a

Highlights a sense of fear or dread, suggesting a stronger emotional response.

as uneasy as a

Implies a lack of comfort or a feeling of being unsettled.

as concerned as a

Focuses on caring about a situation, implying potential negative consequences.

as nervous as a

Indicates heightened anxiety and agitation, often in anticipation of an event.

as hesitant as a

Suggests reluctance or unwillingness due to uncertainty or fear.

as cautious as a

Highlights the need for carefulness and avoidance of risks.

as suspicious as a

Implies a distrustful or questioning attitude.

as doubtful as a

Expresses uncertainty or skepticism about something.

FAQs

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

Use "as apprehensive as a" to draw a comparison between someone's state of unease and the typical caution associated with the object of comparison. For example, "He approached the negotiation "as apprehensive as a fox entering a henhouse"".

What are some alternatives to "as apprehensive as a"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider alternatives such as "as anxious as a", "as worried as a", or "as uneasy as a". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific type and intensity of unease.

When is it appropriate to use "as apprehensive as a"?

It's appropriate to use "as apprehensive as a" when you want to vividly illustrate a feeling of unease by comparing it to a well-known source of caution or nervousness. However, avoid overusing it in formal writing.

How does "as apprehensive as a" differ from "being apprehensive"?

"Being apprehensive" simply states a feeling of unease. "As apprehensive as a" uses a simile to amplify that feeling by drawing a comparison, making the description more vivid and relatable.