he is apprehensive about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is apprehensive about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's feelings of anxiety or unease regarding a specific situation or outcome. Example: "He is apprehensive about the upcoming presentation, fearing he might forget his lines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He says he is apprehensive about how susceptible he is to both "stress" and to "regret".

The New York Times - Magazine

He says he is apprehensive about a government agency taking over the caves and barring access, or worse, it becoming a commercialized roadside spectacle.

The New York Times

But, along with other East Timorese, he is apprehensive about the security arrangements that will follow.Much of East Timor was destroyed in an orgy of violence by anti-independence groups after the referendum.

The Economist

Harris has not shown the least hesitation when asked to run head-on into the fray on special teams during the preseason — something he said he had never been asked to do before — but he is apprehensive about his turn, which he knows is coming, to stand in front of his teammates and entertain them.

The New York Times - Sports

But his field, analytical chemistry, requires expensive instruments, so he is apprehensive about his funding future.

Science Magazine

Roach said Mayweather's relatively subdued mood in the build-up to the fight could be a sign that he is apprehensive about facing Pacquiao.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He was apprehensive about the premiere.

The New York Times - Style

He's confident, although he's apprehensive about his place in the spotlight.

The New Yorker

Appelbaum, whose Twitter feed suggested he was travelling in Iceland, said he was apprehensive about returning to the US.

The Guardian

He said he was apprehensive about working with Mr. Fudenske, but his qualms disappeared at the first reading.

The New York Times

Ken Levenson, the architect who designed Carlton Mews and who has been hired to redesign the interior space, said that he was apprehensive about the consensus process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is apprehensive about", ensure the context clearly specifies what is causing the apprehension. Being specific enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "he is apprehensive about" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "he's worried about" or "he's nervous about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is apprehensive about" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying "he" by describing his state of mind. It expresses a feeling of anxiety or unease regarding a specific situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

2.5%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is apprehensive about" effectively conveys a sense of worry or unease regarding a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While the phrase is generally appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation. When employing this phrase, clarity is key. Be certain to specify the source of the apprehension to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "he is anxious about" or "he is worried about" can be used depending on the desired intensity. The phrase appears with some frequency in news, media and wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is anxious about

Replaces "apprehensive" with "anxious", indicating a more intense level of worry.

he is worried about

Uses "worried" instead of "apprehensive", a more common and less formal synonym.

he has concerns about

Shifts from expressing a feeling to stating that he possesses worries.

he feels uneasy about

Expresses a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety about something.

he is uneasy regarding

Replaces "about" with "regarding", providing a slightly more formal tone, also replaces 'apprehensive' with 'uneasy'.

he is nervous about

Emphasizes the feeling of nervousness, suggesting a higher state of agitation.

he is doubtful about

Focuses on a lack of confidence or certainty about something.

he has misgivings about

Implies a sense of doubt or reservation, often about a decision or course of action.

he is skeptical of

Indicates a questioning attitude or a lack of belief in something.

he anticipates problems with

Focuses on the expectation of potential difficulties or issues.

FAQs

What does "he is apprehensive about" mean?

It means that a person feels anxious, worried, or uneasy about something that might happen or is going to happen.

What can I say instead of "he is apprehensive about"?

You can use alternatives like "he is anxious about", "he is worried about", or "he feels uneasy about", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "he is apprehensive for" instead of "he is apprehensive about"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "apprehensive" is "about". Saying "he is apprehensive for" is grammatically incorrect.

How can I use "he is apprehensive about" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "He is apprehensive about the upcoming presentation, fearing that he might forget his lines." The phrase is typically followed by the object of the apprehension.