first apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial understanding or perception of something, often in a context where someone is encountering a concept or situation for the first time. Example: "Upon my first apprehension of the complex theory, I found it difficult to grasp the underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The opening chapter of the book recounts his first apprehension of a peregrine, and from the start his observation of the falcon is intertwined with his desire to leave himself behind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A second apprehension that some prisoners have, and that Geraldine Blin has observed, is that fellow inmates who speak with mesmerising authority on Islam and jihad will sap their will to reform.

The Guardian

First comes apprehension — the hunter drawing near, the catastrophe unfolding, the everyday world altered into a sinister landscape of danger.

The New Yorker

This development was greeted at first with apprehension by some faculty, but it soon proved to be not at all horrendous but actually quite constructive.

University of California, Berkeley

The first two, apprehension and reproduction, are inseparable; one cannot occur without the other (A102).

SEP

The 70s were characterised first by an apprehension of national decline and inertia, and then a panicked disorder.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Sharon's pledge late Tuesday to pre-empt any terrorist attack by killing assailants first inspired widespread apprehension today in Gaza, where Israeli officials said Tuesday's suicide bomber was based.

The New York Times

He had read about the potential dangers of these voice-controlled devices but hadn't experienced the apprehension first hand.

Vice

When pain or apprehension first appears, press down on the upper arm.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The second theme, feeling apprehension, supports several authors in the literature [ 30, 46- 50] who identified the anticipation of reactions, along with the future, life expectancy and possible other disclosures, as a source of uncertainty and stress for HIV-positive women.

BMC Women's Health

"First, I had apprehensions about meeting new people and living with them – but when I came here all barriers were broken, and I met great people from different religions," said Ahmad Taha, a young Palestinian from the Nahr el Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon, which was largely destroyed in recent fighting.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first apprehension" to describe the very first time someone becomes aware of or understands something, especially in the context of learning or facing a new situation. It's more formal than "first impression".

Common error

Avoid using "first apprehension" when you mean "first impression". "First apprehension" is more about understanding, while "first impression" relates to feelings or initial judgements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first apprehension" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the initial understanding or recognition of something. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to describe someone's initial grasp of a concept or situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first apprehension" is a noun phrase that describes the initial understanding or recognition of something. It leans towards a neutral to formal register and is more about grasping a concept than forming an impression. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct, although relatively rare. When writing, be mindful to use it when you specifically mean the first instance of understanding rather than a general first impression. Alternatives include "initial understanding" or "first impression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial perception

Highlights the initial way something is seen or understood.

initial understanding

Focuses on the understanding aspect rather than the moment of apprehension.

first awareness

Stresses the moment when something becomes known or noticed.

earliest comprehension

Highlights the very first instance of understanding.

first impression

Emphasizes the initial feeling or image formed.

early realization

Implies a gradual understanding rather than an immediate one.

preliminary grasp

Highlights the initial, often incomplete, understanding of a concept.

original insight

Focuses on the initial moment of understanding a new or complex idea.

maiden recognition

Emphasizes the first time something is recognized or acknowledged.

incipient recognition

Stresses the beginning stage of recognizing or understanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "first apprehension" in a sentence?

You might say, "Upon my "first apprehension" of the complex theory, I found it difficult to grasp the underlying principles." It's often used in formal or academic contexts.

What's a good alternative to "first apprehension"?

Consider using alternatives like "initial understanding" or "first impression", depending on the context.

Is "first apprehension" formal or informal?

"First apprehension" is generally considered a more formal expression. Use it in academic, professional, or literary contexts rather than in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "first apprehension" and "initial perception"?

"First apprehension" emphasizes the initial understanding or grasp of something, whereas "initial perception" focuses on how something is initially seen or sensed.