full of apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being filled with anxiety or fear about something that may happen. Example: "As the deadline approached, she was full of apprehension about the outcome of her presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He stays home, full of apprehension and loathing, drinking Scotch.

The New Yorker

I was full of apprehension and mad at everyone.

The New York Times - Arts

But as the postseason's early rounds gave the playoffs some spice, the rest of the draft will be sizzling, full of apprehension and doubt.

The New York Times - Sports

With the egocentrism that is our national character (and which we call "innocence" and others "arrogance"), Americans in Paris were full of apprehension about their welcome, only to discover that they were regarded as less worrisome than your son Gilles, the failed actor.

The New Yorker

I was full of apprehension, I didn't know how I was going to react.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I sleep very poorly these days; I lie awake, full of apprehensions.

The New Yorker

The seniors are full of excitement, apprehension, uncertainty— and, these days, massive pressure to know what it is they want to do.

Duke University

I had always assumed that the days before the Warsaw Uprising were full of terror and apprehension.

Stanford University

But the waiting room wasn't empty as I had planned – it was busy with everybody chatting, full of excitement and apprehension.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Koch's construction carefully manipulates his readers through a series of flashbacks and observations that will lead to a full, sinister apprehension of the unholy triad formed by Paul, Claire and Michel, the so-called happy family.

The New York Times - Books

The symptoms of a phobia can range from mild feelings of apprehension and anxiety to a full-blown panic attack.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of apprehension" to vividly describe a character's internal state when they are anticipating something potentially negative or uncertain. It adds depth to the narrative and conveys a strong sense of emotional turmoil.

Common error

While effective in narration, using "full of apprehension" too frequently in dialogue can sound unnatural. Opt for simpler, more conversational expressions to maintain authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of apprehension" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being filled with anxiety or unease about something that might happen. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of apprehension" effectively conveys a state of anxiety or unease about potential future events. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, though some alternative phrases may be more appropriate for certain contexts. While "full of apprehension" is most often encountered in News & Media and Academic writing, it is versatile enough for neutral use. Remember, while descriptive, overuse in dialogue can sound stilted. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively deploy this phrase to add emotional depth and descriptive detail to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apprehensive about

A more concise way of saying "full of apprehension", directly expressing the feeling.

filled with anxiety

Replaces "full of" with "filled with", emphasizing the state of being consumed by anxiety.

fraught with worry

Uses "fraught with" to highlight the presence of significant worry or concern.

consumed by unease

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the feeling of unease.

beset by misgivings

Indicates being troubled or plagued by feelings of doubt or apprehension.

gripped by foreboding

Conveys a sense of being seized or controlled by a feeling that something bad will happen.

anxious about

A simpler and more direct way to express anxiety about something.

worried sick

Emphasizes the intensity of worry, suggesting it's causing distress.

on edge

Describes a state of heightened nervousness or unease.

in a state of agitation

Highlights a state of restlessness and anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "full of apprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "full of apprehension" to describe someone feeling anxious or fearful about a future event. For example: "As the storm clouds gathered, she was "full of apprehension" about the approaching darkness."

What are some alternatives to saying "full of apprehension"?

Alternatives include "filled with anxiety", "fraught with worry", or "anxious about" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "full of apprehension" or "apprehensive"?

Both are correct, but "full of apprehension" is more descriptive and emphasizes the intensity of the feeling. "Apprehensive" is more concise and direct.

What's the difference between "full of apprehension" and "full of fear"?

"Full of apprehension" suggests a more specific anxiety about something that might happen, while "full of fear" implies a more general and intense feeling of dread or terror.