great apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a significant level of fear, anxiety, or concern about a situation or event. Example: "She approached the exam with great apprehension, fearing that she might not perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"There is a mixture of vindication on the one hand and great apprehension on the other," said Edward Mortimer, a senior aide to Secretary General Kofi Annan.

The New York Times

In Britain, meanwhile, there is great apprehension over the damage done to European unity and the trans-Atlantic alliance and a deep awareness that there needs to be postwar reconstruction both in Europe and across the Atlantic.

The New York Times

Although there is great apprehension in China about the social effects of lower tariffs and investment barriers, top leaders have repeatedly stated their firm desire to join the trade group.

The New York Times

Given the vigorous policy disagreements between the two, there was great apprehension before they met in the Oval Office soon after the election to discuss national security and nuclear policy issues.

The New York Times

Individual church members can do as they wish, of course, but when the huge treasury of the Mormon Church is brought against a segment of the American citizenry, outrage, fear and great apprehension in the secular realm are the logical reaction.

The New York Times

In a relatively sedate end to a trading week that began amid great apprehension, stock prices turned mixed yesterday, with investors pushing the Nasdaq composite index down 1.69percentt while driving the Dow Jones industrial average up nearly as much, 1.58percentt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Greater apprehension is felt among the Sunnis.

The New York Times

Tobón's greatest apprehension is the thought of being alone.

The New Yorker

Not surprisingly, some of the greatest apprehension about the trend emanates from staff curators.

The New York Times - Arts

You cannot be too nice". For now Klimentová's greatest apprehension is not her last London performance but the party that awaits her afterwards.

The Guardian

"In terms of my greatest apprehension, as a family man it is the concern that over the next three years I will be spending an awful lot of time away from them," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, consider specifying what aspects of a situation cause the apprehension rather than using the phrase in isolation; this enhances the clarity and impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "great apprehension" in contexts where the level of concern is minor or moderate; it's designed to convey a significant degree of anxiety or fear. If the situation warrants less intensity, opt for phrases like "slight concern" or "mild unease" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great apprehension" functions primarily as a noun phrase that denotes a significant level of anxiety, fear, or unease. It combines the adjective "great", intensifying the noun "apprehension". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great apprehension" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote a significant level of anxiety or fear. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While it is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its expressive nature allows for use in varied settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly articulates the source of the concern to effectively convey the intended meaning. Consider alternatives such as "considerable anxiety" or "deep concern" to fine-tune the expression to the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable anxiety

Emphasizes the psychological aspect of unease and worry, shifting focus from potential outcomes to the emotional state.

deep concern

Highlights a level of caring and worry about a particular situation or outcome.

grave misgivings

Indicates a serious level of doubt or worry, often about the future consequences of an action or decision.

serious worries

Simple alteration focusing on the existence and severity of worries.

profound unease

Highlights a strong feeling of discomfort or anxiety, often about a situation that is difficult to define.

significant dread

Emphasizes a strong feeling of fear or aversion towards something anticipated.

intense foreboding

Suggests a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.

acute trepidation

Indicates a sharp and intense feeling of fear or anxiety, usually about something that is going to happen.

substantial disquiet

Focuses on a noticeable state of restlessness or anxiety.

palpable nervousness

Emphasizes the feeling of nervousness is so intense that it is almost tangible or noticeable to others.

FAQs

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

Use "great apprehension" to describe a feeling of significant anxiety or fear about a future event or situation. For example: "She approached the exam with great apprehension".

What phrases can I use instead of "great apprehension"?

You can use alternatives like "considerable anxiety", "deep concern", or "grave misgivings" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "great apprehension" or "significant worry"?

"Great apprehension" suggests a stronger sense of impending doom or anxiety, while "significant worry" may imply a more general state of concern. The best choice depends on the specific context and the intensity of the feeling you wish to describe.

What's the difference between "great apprehension" and "slight hesitation"?

"Great apprehension" indicates a substantial level of anxiety or fear, whereas "slight hesitation" implies only a minor reluctance or pause before doing something. The former suggests significant concern, while the latter suggests mild doubt or uncertainty.