growing apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which someone's anxious feeling increases because of something (such as a difficult situation or a dangerous event). For example: As the deadline drew nearer, Mary felt a growing apprehension about her ability to finish her project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Now, there is growing apprehension that it is India's turn to be sold out.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, there is growing apprehension among some involved in the shuttle redesign.

The New York Times - Science

Student Sarah Hanlin, 24, felt a growing apprehension in the days leading up to the tour.

The Guardian - Arts

"There is growing apprehension about the ability of Governor Davis to defeat the recall," Mr. Dooley said.

The New York Times

Scientific worry over the fate of the nautilus parallels the growing apprehension over the effects of deep-sea fishing on a variety of creatures.

The New York Times - Science

What makes today different from the 1970s is growing apprehension about global warming as a threat to political security and the environment, according to the report.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

That was because of growing apprehensions of non-Mexicans, as opposed to Mexicans, which declined.

The Guardian

The ex-refugees, mostly women, talk about their growing apprehensions before leaving home, and about what one calls "a sense of the malice all around us". One aged interviewee can still remember the anti-Semitic taunts of her Aryan schoolmates.

The New York Times

Indian leaders celebrated the successful test, "even as Pakistan and China reacted warily, amid growing international apprehension about the increasing militarization of Asia," they write.

The New York Times

"One of the reassuring things that has come out of the response to the Russian laws in particular is there is a growing international apprehension.

The Guardian

The tape's repeated warnings -- "if you are listening this far into the recording your disease is growing worse" -- continually raise apprehension for the man, who visibly deteriorates in front of us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing apprehension" to depict a gradual increase in worry or fear, ensuring it aligns with the context of unfolding events or accumulating information.

Common error

Avoid using "growing apprehension" to describe a constant, unchanging state of anxiety. This phrase implies a progression or increase in unease over time, not a fixed emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, where 'growing' acts as a modifier describing the nature of the apprehension. It usually expresses a subject's reaction to certain occurences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "growing apprehension" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively conveys an increasing sense of worry or fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and other formal contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context involves a gradual increase in unease rather than a static state. Consider alternatives such as "increasing unease" or "mounting anxiety" to fine-tune the specific emotional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing unease

Replaces "apprehension" with "unease", focusing on a lack of comfort and a mild anxiety that is on the rise.

mounting anxiety

Emphasizes the building pressure and stress through the use of "mounting" instead of "growing".

rising concern

Focuses on worry and care with "concern", portraying a more empathetic and less fearful tone.

escalating fear

Highlights the intensification of fear rather than general unease, suggesting a stronger emotional response.

intensifying worry

Replaces "apprehension" with "worry", indicating a state of increased mental distress and concern.

heightening anxiety

Indicates an increase in anxiety levels, stressing the peak of emotional stress.

developing misgivings

Shifts focus towards doubts and reservations that are forming, differing slightly from outright fear.

emerging disquiet

Highlights the initial stages of unease and disturbance, which are just beginning to surface.

increasing trepidation

Emphasizes dread and nervousness about what might happen in the future, suggesting a more formal tone.

accumulating reservations

Focuses on the gradual build-up of doubts and hesitations, moving away from overt anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "growing apprehension" to describe an increasing feeling of worry or unease. For example: "There was a growing apprehension among the townspeople as the storm approached."

What can I say instead of "growing apprehension"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing unease", "mounting anxiety", or "rising concern" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "growing apprehension"?

Yes, "growing apprehension" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an escalating sense of worry or fear. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources.

What is the difference between "growing apprehension" and "increased apprehension"?

While both phrases indicate an increase in worry, "growing apprehension" suggests a gradual development over time, whereas "increased apprehension" simply denotes a higher level of worry without necessarily implying a gradual process.