feel apprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel apprehensive" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling of anxiety, fear, or unease about a future event or situation. Example: I couldn't help but feel apprehensive as the plane took off, knowing I had a fear of flying and a long flight ahead of me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

HEALTH officials are paid to feel apprehensive.

The Economist

I was beginning to feel apprehensive.

The New Yorker

And yet I feel apprehensive, at best.

The Guardian - Sport

"Maybe that's why they feel apprehensive about getting involved".

The Guardian

His wife, Azizah Ismail, said: "I feel apprehensive because my husband … is not that well.

The Guardian

Send the message that this is normal and that it's OK to feel apprehensive.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Harry, feels apprehensive.

The New Yorker

I just felt apprehensive for two hours".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said that he felt "apprehensive" about the move.

The New Yorker

Talking with Mark about his dream, I felt apprehensive about the adoption.

The New Yorker

But watching Mr. Brown bask in his moment of triumph, Mr. Castaneda said, he also felt apprehensive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel apprehensive" to express a sense of unease or anxiety about something specific that is about to happen or might happen in the future. It accurately conveys a blend of worry and anticipation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "feel apprehensive" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "feel worried" or "feel nervous" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel apprehensive" functions as a verb phrase where "feel" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "apprehensive", which describes the subject's state of being. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

26%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel apprehensive" is a grammatically sound way to express a sense of anxiety or unease about a potential future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is frequently used and well understood. It's commonly found in "News & Media" sources, followed by "Science", indicating its acceptance across various writing styles. While generally neutral, remember to use discretion in very informal contexts where alternatives like "feel worried" or "feel nervous" may be more appropriate to avoid sounding overly formal. Use it to effectively convey a mix of worry and anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel anxious

Focuses more on general anxiety rather than a specific anticipation of something negative.

feel worried

Emphasizes a sense of concern and unease about a potential outcome.

feel uneasy

Highlights a lack of comfort and a sense of disquiet.

feel concerned

Implies a more thoughtful and considered worry about a situation.

feel nervous

Suggests a state of heightened excitement and anxiety.

have misgivings

Indicates doubts and reservations about a future event or decision.

be filled with trepidation

Represents a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen.

expect the worst

Focuses on anticipating a negative outcome with a sense of dread.

dread the thought of

Emphasizes a strong aversion and fear related to a particular event.

have a sinking feeling

Describes an intuitive sense of impending misfortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel apprehensive" to describe a sense of anxiety or unease about something that is about to happen. For example, "I "feel apprehensive" about the upcoming exam".

What's a less formal way to say "feel apprehensive"?

In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "feel worried", "feel nervous", or "feel uneasy".

Is it correct to say "felt apprehensive"?

Yes, "felt apprehensive" is the past tense form and is perfectly correct. For example, "I "felt apprehensive" before the presentation".

What's the difference between "feel apprehensive" and "feel anxious"?

"Feel apprehensive" often implies a specific upcoming event or situation causing worry, while "feel anxious" can be a more general state of unease or worry not necessarily tied to a particular event.