greatest apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

"greatest apprehension" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a high level of concern or anxiety about a situation. Example: "She approached the task with the greatest apprehension, fearing the outcome." Alternative expressions include "deepest concern" and "utmost anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

"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

Having spoken to gay players on an anonymous basis, Carlisle believes the greatest apprehension to coming out would be the reaction in the stands.

BBC

My greatest apprehension is that he will mount the same hypocritically high horse that Congressman Daryl Issa and others have mounted to Monday morning quarterback the attack in Benghazi that led to the truly tragic loss of Ambassador Chris Stevens.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Greater apprehension is felt among the Sunnis.

The New York Times

"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

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

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "greatest apprehension" to express a significant level of worry or anxiety, especially in formal or serious contexts. This phrase suggests a deep-seated concern about potential negative outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "greatest apprehension" when you mean understanding. "Apprehension" refers to anxiety or fear, while "comprehension" means understanding. Using the wrong word can significantly alter your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest apprehension" functions as a noun phrase that describes a high degree of worry or anxiety. As Ludwig examples show, it is often used to express concern about potential negative outcomes or future events. It indicates a state of significant unease.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "greatest apprehension" is a phrase used to express a significant level of worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts. While its usage is relatively rare, it effectively conveys a sense of deep concern. Consider alternatives like "deepest anxiety" or "utmost worry" for slight variations in meaning. Remember to avoid confusing "apprehension" with "comprehension". When writing, leverage "greatest apprehension" to effectively highlight significant concerns in serious or formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deepest anxiety

Emphasizes the intensity of the anxiety.

utmost worry

Highlights the extent of worry experienced.

biggest fear

Focuses on the fear aspect rather than general concern.

major concern

Downplays the emotional intensity focusing on a significant issue.

primary misgiving

Highlights a feeling of doubt or unease.

chief dread

Emphasizes a strong feeling of fear and aversion.

strongest reservation

Focuses on expressing doubts or hesitations.

principal unease

Highlights a state of discomfort or anxiety.

foremost disquiet

Emphasizes a lack of peace or tranquility.

main trepidation

Highlights a feeling of fear or agitation about something that might happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "greatest apprehension" to describe a strong feeling of anxiety or worry about something. For instance, "Her greatest apprehension was that the project would fail".

What phrases are similar to "greatest apprehension"?

Similar phrases include "deepest anxiety", "utmost worry", or "biggest fear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "greatest apprehension" in formal writing?

Yes, "greatest apprehension" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a serious and considered tone, making it appropriate for professional, academic, and official contexts.

What's the difference between "greatest apprehension" and "slight concern"?

"Greatest apprehension" indicates a significant level of worry or fear, whereas "slight concern" suggests a minimal level of unease. The former is much stronger in intensity.