be full of trepidation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be full of trepidation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being filled with fear or anxiety about something. Example: "As the deadline approached, I began to be full of trepidation about the outcome of my presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But there was nothing to fear, I told myself, she was only a human being like everyone else, the same age as me even, and it wasn't just me who had found it difficult to talk and behave naturally last time, she had probably felt the same, and the very idea that she might be full of trepidation but wanted this as much as me was such a good, uplifting thought that I rushed up the steps to Høyden.

The New Yorker

It's natural to be full of trepidation.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Going through the drawings, Nola was full of trepidation.

The New Yorker

But this time they are full of trepidation, not margaritas.

The Economist

The alarm went off at 6am to kickstart our journey, and I was full of trepidation.

The Guardian - Tech

Finally, when I first wrote for Life on the breadline back in July last year, I was full of trepidation – worried about putting my story out there, lifting the veil on the reality of my life.

The Guardian

I remember your first post was full of trepidations about your abilities as an actor, your specific concern about the Southerness that fills every nook and cranny of you, Afftene, the person.

Duke University

Inter will be full of confidence ahead of their home game against Anorthosis Famagusta, whereas for Roma there will only be trepidation ahead of a visit to Chelsea.

The Guardian - Sport

I was full of diffidence and trepidation, but then it proved to be a wonderful showcase and a terrific form.

The New Yorker

For a side that tends to enter the autumn series with trepidation, this opening performance was full of enterprise and finely judged angles and incursions, plus some seriously cohesive work up front.

The Guardian - Sport

"They're suffering, I see them on the training pitch and they're a different animal, in training they're full of life but when the curtain comes up on a Saturday you can see the anxiety and trepidation.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be full of trepidation" to vividly express a state of intense anxiety or fear regarding a specific event or situation. This phrase is most effective when the context involves uncertainty and a potential for negative outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "be full of trepidation" for minor concerns or everyday anxieties. This phrase suggests a high degree of fear; using it inappropriately can dilute its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be full of trepidation" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically serving as a predicate adjective describing a subject's state of mind. It indicates a strong feeling of fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI explains, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be full of trepidation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to vividly describe a state of intense anxiety or fear, as Ludwig AI confirms. While relatively uncommon, its usage is appropriate in neutral to slightly formal contexts, primarily within news and media sources. The phrase effectively communicates a significant level of worry and unease, particularly when anticipating uncertain or potentially negative outcomes. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke a high degree of fear, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipate with anxiety

Focuses on the anxious anticipation of future events.

feel apprehensive

Focuses on the feeling of apprehension, a more subdued form of anxiety.

feel a sense of unease

Emphasizes a lack of comfort and a vague feeling that something is wrong.

be gripped by anxiety

Emphasizes the strong hold that anxiety has on someone.

be fraught with worry

Highlights the presence of significant and persistent worry.

experience foreboding

Highlights a sense of impending doom or negative future events.

harbor fears

Suggests a more internal and potentially hidden sense of fear.

live in fear

Implies a constant state of fear affecting daily life.

be on edge

Implies a state of nervous anticipation or unease.

tremble with fear

Highlights the physical manifestation of intense fear.

FAQs

How can I use "be full of trepidation" in a sentence?

You can use "be full of trepidation" to describe a character's emotional state before a daunting event, such as "She was "full of trepidation" before her job interview".

What are some alternatives to "be full of trepidation"?

Alternatives include "feel apprehensive", "be gripped by anxiety", or "experience foreboding", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "full of trepidation" or "with trepidation"?

"Full of trepidation" describes a state of being, while "with trepidation" describes how an action is performed. For example, "She approached the task with trepidation" implies caution and fear, whereas "She was full of trepidation" describes her emotional state.

What does it mean to experience "trepidation"?

To experience trepidation means to feel fear or anxiety about something that might happen. It suggests a state of worry or unease, often associated with uncertainty.