feeling of trepidation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of trepidation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a sense of fear or anxiety about something that may happen in the future. Example: "As she approached the stage to give her speech, she was overcome by a feeling of trepidation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It all adds up to a feeling of trepidation about the world beyond their historic campus.

The Guardian

What happens to him is like what happens to the straight audience – he mirrors the slight feeling of trepidation.

The Guardian - Film

Second, politicians across the region must be greeting the news from Croatia with a feeling of trepidation.

The Economist

When I began working on my new book detailing the new language, I came with a feeling of trepidation.

The New York Times

Curtis Strange may have won the US Open in 1988, but there was a feeling of trepidation as the final major of the year approached, that America had been overtaken as the premier force in the sport, and with the continent of Europe scooping three of the last five majors played, plus the last two Ryder Cups, the shift in power seemed significant.

The Guardian - Sport

This feeling of trepidation goes beyond California.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Lauren's song so nicely captures mixed feelings of trepidation and commitment.

Princeton University

"We've been looking for a long time at September 2002 with feelings of trepidation," said Allen Sabinson, the senior vice president for programming for A&E.

The New York Times

Staggering heights and underfoot views of a swirling modern, high rise city produce feelings of trepidation and exhilaration.

Vice

That audience's reaction brought me back to the feelings of trepidation and shame I had when I was initially thinking about going on medications, a decision that in hindsight, I'm extremely proud of.

Vice

"There's a feeling of extreme trepidation," says Luke Akehurst, former NEC member.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of trepidation" to convey a specific sense of apprehensive anticipation, particularly when the source of the anxiety is known but the outcome is uncertain. This phrase works well when describing a character's internal state before a significant event.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling of trepidation" in everyday, casual situations. The phrase carries a weight of formality and intensity that might sound unnatural or overly dramatic in simple contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "nervousness" or "unease" when describing common anxieties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of trepidation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of mind or emotion. It commonly acts as a subject complement or object of a verb, denoting the experience of apprehension or anxiety, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling of trepidation" is a noun phrase used to express anxious anticipation or fear, often about an uncertain future event. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and effectively conveys a sense of unease. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it is well-suited for formal and neutral contexts, such as news reporting and academic writing. To ensure clarity, avoid overusing it in casual settings and be mindful of the specific nuance it carries: anticipation mixed with anxiety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of apprehension

Focuses on the anticipation of something negative.

feeling of anxiety

Highlights the emotional distress and worry.

sense of unease

Implies a general feeling of discomfort and worry.

feeling of foreboding

Emphasizes a premonition of impending doom or misfortune.

sense of alarm

Focuses on sudden fear and awareness of danger.

feeling of disquiet

Highlights a lack of peace or tranquility.

sense of dread

Emphasizes intense fear and reluctance.

feeling of nervousness

Highlights a state of agitation or anxiety.

sense of misgiving

Focuses on doubt and uncertainty about a future event.

feeling of worry

Emphasizes concern and anxiety about potential problems.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "feeling of trepidation" in a sentence?

Employ "feeling of trepidation" when you want to express a sense of anxious anticipation or fear regarding a future event. For example, "She approached the negotiation with a "feeling of trepidation", unsure of the outcome".

What are some alternatives to "feeling of trepidation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sense of apprehension", "feeling of anxiety", or "sense of unease" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Is "feeling of trepidation" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "feeling of trepidation" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a sophisticated way to express anxiety or fear about something that is going to happen. However, ensure that its formality aligns with the overall tone of your piece.

What is the difference between "feeling of trepidation" and "feeling of fear"?

"Feeling of trepidation" often implies an anticipation of something potentially negative, whereas "feeling of fear" /s/feeling+of+fear can describe present or anticipated danger. "Trepidation" has an element of uncertainty and anxiety about what might happen, distinguishing it from the more direct emotion of fear.