cause for apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for apprehension" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is a reason or basis for feeling anxious or fearful. Example: The rising crime rate in the city is a cause for apprehension among the residents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

New pieces by composers who are not quite household names can be cause for apprehension among some audience members.

The New York Times - Arts

The cause for apprehension was in the program Mr. Quasthoff presented with the pianist Justus Zeyen, a sequence of songs by Schubert, Brahms and the Swiss composer Frank Martin.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That is also a cause for government apprehension: the officer corps has changed in character and the proportion who are religious has increased to about one-fifth.

The Guardian - Opinion

But what might unfold from a modestly gifted man who thinks he can be a Mao is also cause for considerable apprehension.

Huffington Post

There is good reason for apprehension.

The New York Times

Wada's director general Olivier Niggli said: "Wada is very mindful that this criminal attack, which to date has recklessly exposed personal data of 29 athletes, will be very distressing for the athletes targeted and cause apprehension for all athletes that were involved in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The Guardian - Sport

I recognize that starting a discussion about senior care can cause apprehension for many seniors and their families, but it's important to help aging love ones feel in control by discussing the goals behind this process, and ensuring them that getting their stuff in order will help them continue to maintain a good quality of life.

Huffington Post

This announcement was cause for thumbs-up galore, among other reactions: apprehension, verbal dislikes, moral outrage, noisy indifference.

The New Yorker

The decision to have children with a white woman and possibly be exposed as a black man by the pigmentation of his offspring is a cause of much apprehension for Coleman Silk.

The New Yorker

There were reasons for apprehension.

The New York Times

Gang crimes, consisting mainly of the sale of rum and dope and murdering among themselves, do not ordinarily cause this apprehension.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about situations or events that create anxiety, provide a clear and specific description of what could result from the cause for apprehension.

Common error

Avoid vague language when describing the "cause for apprehension". Instead of stating "the situation is a cause for apprehension", specify what aspects of the situation are worrisome. For instance, "the lack of funding is a cause for apprehension" is better, but "the lack of funding for critical infrastructure repairs is a cause for apprehension about public safety" is even more precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct, denoting something that incites worry or anxiety.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause for apprehension" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that creates a feeling of anxiety or worry. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples of its use in various contexts. While relatively common, you can refine your writing by choosing synonyms that more precisely reflect the specific type and intensity of concern. The phrase is versatile and can be used in neutral settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for concern

Focuses more directly on the element of concern rather than underlying apprehension.

ground for worry

Highlights the justification for feeling worried or anxious.

basis for anxiety

Emphasizes the underlying anxiety or unease.

source of unease

Shifts the focus to the feeling of unease that something provokes.

reason for disquiet

Indicates a cause for a lack of tranquility or peace of mind.

justification for alarm

Suggests a valid reason to be alarmed or concerned.

pretext for trepidation

Implies a reason or excuse for feeling fear or nervousness.

excuse for misgiving

Points to a reason for feeling doubt or distrust.

warrant for solicitude

Highlights the justification for showing care or concern.

impetus for foreboding

Suggests something gives rise to a feeling that something bad will happen.

FAQs

How can I use "cause for apprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "cause for apprehension" to describe something that creates worry or anxiety. For example: "The spread of the virus is a cause for apprehension among health officials."

What is a synonym for "cause for apprehension"?

Alternatives to "cause for apprehension" include "reason for concern", "ground for worry", or "basis for anxiety", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "cause for apprehension" formal or informal?

"Cause for apprehension" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

What's the difference between "cause for apprehension" and "cause for alarm"?

"Cause for apprehension" suggests a sense of worry or unease, while "cause for alarm" implies a more immediate and serious threat. The choice depends on the severity of the situation.