cause for trepidation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for trepidation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a reason or justification for feeling anxious or fearful about a situation. Example: "The sudden increase in cyber attacks is a cause for trepidation among businesses that rely heavily on digital infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A trip to Steaua Bucharest, such as Chelsea experience today, used to be cause for trepidation, and not just because of the spartan hotels and unpalatable food behind the old Iron Curtain.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The so-called "good" food movement has good reason for trepidation in the coming year.

Huffington Post

But for most students, inching through the summer toward "move in" day is a cause for excitement, trepidation, and uncertainty.

HuffPost

Hitting the "cues" continues to be a cause of trepidation and triumph for the silent film accompanist, as many of the musicians at the festival attested.

The Guardian - Film

"For many people in Europe", he added, "the war was not a cause for jubilation but trepidation".

The Guardian

"And while this appears to be markedly more orderly in its rollout, this will still cause serious trepidation for those who previously fell under the original Executive Order and will likely delay or cancel travel plans for many". Tech companies reacted to the order, with some remaining opposed to the changes.

Forbes

The cause for the Disney angst and the publisher's brief trepidation is a particular book in a new series called "The Library of Contemporary Thought" that was introduced last month.

The New York Times - Books

Dr. Varone conceded that the timing of Rabbi Spitzer's recommendation for Dr. Arbit caused him trepidation.

The New York Times

If that was the initial cause of countries' trepidation, the NAFTA renegotiation experience did nothing to allay concern.

Forbes

Terminology such as renewal pruning, replacement pruning, tip bearers, spur bearers, fruit buds and growth buds abound and cause confusion and trepidation.

BBC

There are many symptoms within a company's marketing structure that can cause trepidation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause for trepidation", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the apprehension. Be specific about the source of the fear or anxiety to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for trepidation" when the situation warrants a milder term. If the situation only calls for mild concern, consider using "reason for concern" or "source of unease" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for trepidation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a reason or justification for feeling anxious or fearful. It indicates that there is a specific element or event that is producing the feeling of apprehension. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

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 trepidation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a reason for feeling anxious or fearful. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. According to Ludwig, the phrase is well-suited for expressing the source of anxiety, but writers should be mindful of potentially overstating the level of fear in less serious situations. Alternatives such as "reason for concern" or "source of anxiety" may be more appropriate in those cases. Consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for apprehension

Focuses more on formal or official anxieties than general fears.

ground for concern

Emphasizes worry or unease about potential negative outcomes.

source of anxiety

Highlights the origin of a feeling of worry or nervousness.

basis for alarm

Suggests a higher degree of urgency or danger than simple worry.

reason for unease

Implies a subtle discomfort or lack of peace of mind.

warrant for worry

Indicates justification for feelings of concern or distress.

justification for fear

Highlights a valid reason for experiencing fear.

occasion for disquiet

Describes a situation that creates a sense of disturbance or unrest.

pretext for concern

Suggests an underlying or possibly hidden reason for worry.

excuse for worry

A reason given to justify feeling uneasy or anxious.

FAQs

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

Use "cause for trepidation" to indicate a reason for feeling anxious or fearful about something. For example, "The rising sea levels are a "cause for trepidation" among coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "cause for trepidation"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "reason for concern", "source of anxiety", or "ground for alarm" instead of "cause for trepidation".

Is "cause for trepidation" too formal for everyday conversation?

While "cause for trepidation" is suitable for formal writing and speech, it might sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using "reason to worry" or "something to be concerned about".

What distinguishes "cause for trepidation" from "cause for concern"?

"Cause for trepidation" suggests a stronger feeling of fear or anxiety than "cause for concern". Trepidation implies a more significant level of unease and apprehension.