feel apprehensive about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel apprehensive about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of unease or anxiety regarding a specific situation or outcome. Example: "Many students feel apprehensive about taking their final exams, fearing they may not perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

So why should anyone feel apprehensive about the fact that India's next prime minister, Narendra Modi, is a Hindu nationalist?

The Economist

At the same time it's hard not to feel apprehensive about the digital revolution, given what's happening to film.

The New York Times

Gardeners who feel apprehensive about squashing their new purchases can consult the foot-shaped tag that comes with each plant, indicating how often it can be walked on.

The New York Times

It's impossible not to feel apprehensive about seeing Crosby, Stills & Nash, the group who seemed to epitomise the insatiable, sunshine optimism of the late 60s counter-culture, as they head into their dotage in 2013.

The Guardian - Music

It's easy to feel apprehensive about not being able to check all the boxes when you've been out of the market for a season.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

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

A class of 2007 graduate, a friend of mine, actually felt apprehensive about telling friends from the school that he had joined the Marines.

The New York Times

We felt apprehensive about living in a landscape without vertical dimension: neither of us is fond of the legato drone of the flat Midwest.

The New York Times - Travel

The new version was much funnier, thanks to panelists such as Charles Nelson Reilly and Brett Somers, famous for their double entendre-laden banter in completing sentences like: ""Mary felt apprehensive about her wedding night because she discovered her BLANK was missing".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel apprehensive about" to express a specific worry or unease concerning a future event or situation. Ensure the context clearly defines what is causing the apprehension.

Common error

While acceptable in most contexts, "feel apprehensive about" might sound too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "harbor reservations regarding" or "express concern about" for a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel apprehensive about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a subjective emotional state, specifically indicating a sense of anxiety or unease regarding a particular situation or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel apprehensive about" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a sense of anxiety or unease regarding a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While its register is generally neutral, it may be considered slightly informal in highly formal writing. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "harbor reservations regarding" or "express concern about" might be more appropriate. Remember to use "about" as the correct preposition. Overall, understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives can help improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be worried about

A more direct and common way to express worry.

be anxious regarding

Uses a more formal preposition and verb construction. Emphasizes anxiety.

be nervous regarding

Emphasizes a state of heightened anxiety or unease.

be concerned regarding

Highlights worry or unease.

have reservations about

Focuses on having doubts or hesitations.

experience anxiety over

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety itself.

have misgivings about

Similar to reservations, but implies a stronger sense of doubt.

be uneasy concerning

Uses a more formal preposition and suggests a lack of comfort.

harbor fears about

Highlights a deeper level of worry or dread.

dread the thought of

Highlights anticipating something unpleasant with fear.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel apprehensive about" something?

To "feel apprehensive about" something means to experience a sense of anxiety, unease, or worry about it, often concerning a future event or potential outcome.

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

You can use "feel apprehensive about" followed by the object of your worry. For example, "I feel apprehensive about the upcoming job interview" or "She felt apprehensive about traveling alone."

What are some alternatives to "feel apprehensive about"?

Some alternatives include "feel anxious about", "feel concerned about", or "have reservations about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "feel apprehensive for" instead of "feel apprehensive about"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "feel apprehensive" is "about". Saying "feel apprehensive for" is grammatically incorrect.