gathering apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gathering apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of accumulating feelings of anxiety or unease about a situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, there was a gathering apprehension among the team about the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There was anxiety and impatience in their work, and gathering apprehension about the ability of their adversaries to recover.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The word "Impact" in the unit's name is for Intelligence gathering, Maintenance patrols, Perpetrator apprehension, Anti-crime efforts, Criminal identification and Communication and Tactical deployment, according to the police.

The New York Times

During my business travels in recent weeks and at friends' gatherings on the weekend, I watched apprehension turn into cold loathing toward this Administration and Congress.

Forbes

The pilots spoke of the ice they saw gathering on the windshield of their commuter plane, and of their apprehension during previous brushes with ice.

The New York Times

A heavy atmosphere of apprehension, anger and disbelief still sits on Independence Square, the gathering place in Kiev that has lent its name, Maidan, to the political protest movement born there, and thereby to the broader popular sentiment that supports it.

The Economist

Mr. Colas said that a gathering of Federal Reserve officials at the end of the week was also generating some apprehension, especially after the central bank's decision to buy government debt.

The New York Times

The public prosecutor, Rajeev Mohan, told the court that there was also an apprehension about the safety of the accused in court, because of the large gathering.

The New York Times

Apprehension, mostly.

The Guardian - Sport

But apprehension shadowed celebration.

The New York Times - Sports

She felt apprehension.

The New Yorker

It also reflected apprehension.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathering apprehension" to convey a sense of slowly increasing anxiety or unease, especially when describing a situation where the feeling builds over time.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "gathering apprehension" might sound overly dramatic in some contexts. Opt for more neutral phrases like "increasing concern" if the situation doesn't warrant a strong emotional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathering apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, where "gathering" acts as a participle adjective modifying the noun "apprehension". It describes a specific kind of feeling that is increasing in intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Gathering apprehension" is a phrase used to describe an increasing feeling of unease or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in English. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, often in the context of news and media. Alternative phrases such as "growing unease" or "mounting anxiety" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When using this phrase, consider the overall tone of your writing, as it can sometimes sound overly dramatic in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing unease

Focuses on the increasing feeling of discomfort or anxiety, similar to "gathering apprehension".

mounting anxiety

Highlights the increase in anxiety, emphasizing the buildup of anxious feelings.

rising concern

Emphasizes the increasing worry or interest, often about a specific issue.

accumulating dread

Focuses on the buildup of intense fear or apprehension about something in the future.

intensifying worry

Highlights the process of worry becoming stronger or more pronounced.

creeping anxiety

Suggests a subtle but pervasive sense of anxiety that gradually increases.

developing disquiet

Emphasizes the gradual emergence and growth of a feeling of unease.

building trepidation

Focuses on the construction of fear or agitation about something that might happen.

swelling disquietude

Suggests a growing state of restlessness and anxiety.

emerging fear

Highlights the first stages of a more generalized fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "gathering apprehension" to describe a situation where feelings of anxiety or unease are gradually increasing. For example: "As the storm approached, there was a gathering apprehension among the villagers."

What are some alternatives to "gathering apprehension"?

Alternatives include "growing unease", "mounting anxiety", or "rising concern". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "gathering apprehension" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "gathering apprehension" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more often found in journalistic or literary writing. In business or scientific writing, a more neutral alternative like "increasing concern" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "gathering apprehension" and "sudden fear"?

"Gathering apprehension" describes a gradual increase in anxiety over time, while "sudden fear" implies an immediate and unexpected onset of fear. The former is a process, while the latter is an event.