highly apprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly apprehensive" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means feeling extreme anxiety or fear about something. Example: Despite months of preparation, I was still highly apprehensive about giving my presentation in front of such a large audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some experts question whether it's really possible, or necessary, to ease the anxiety of highly apprehensive speakers.

The New York Times

Which brings us to question number three: Should we be (a) glad or (b) highly apprehensive when the SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence) program finally hits pay dirt?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

His aides are apprehensive about Secretary of State Haig's highly visible profile.

The New Yorker

I am a bit apprehensive about this young shit Julius Malema" – a highly controversial ANC politician who's widely viewed by white South Africans as a Robert Mugabe-in-waiting.

The Guardian - Books

First, a version that an interviewer might use; second, a version that was pared back to a series of interviewer prompts; and third, a highly compressed, user-friendly version, that could be shared with patients and their families – as a response to the anticipated, slightly apprehensive: What do you mean questions, what sort of questions?

BMC Health Services Research

Adam sat down, apprehensive.

The New Yorker

They are very apprehensive".

The New York Times

Are you apprehensive?

The New Yorker

"I'm apprehensive.

The New York Times

We're apprehensive.

The New York Times

Foreign investors are apprehensive.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly apprehensive", ensure the context clearly warrants a significant level of anxiety or fear. Consider alternatives like "somewhat apprehensive" or "slightly apprehensive" if the situation involves a milder degree of worry.

Common error

Avoid using "highly apprehensive" in situations where the level of concern is minimal or easily managed. Overusing intensifiers can dilute their impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly apprehensive" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It serves to describe the subject's emotional state, indicating a significant level of anxiety or fear. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly apprehensive" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe a state of significant anxiety or fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for use in written English. While relatively infrequent, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and Forbes, often in contexts related to news and general writing. When using "highly apprehensive", consider the context and ensure that the level of apprehension aligns with the situation. Alternatives such as "very anxious" or "extremely worried" may be more appropriate for milder concerns. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase, aiming to emphasize the intensity of the subject's emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly anxious

Synonymous to "highly apprehensive", but directly uses "anxious" to convey worry.

deeply anxious

Highlights the deep and profound anxiety experienced.

very anxious

Replaces "apprehensive" with "anxious", emphasizing a strong feeling of unease and worry.

very fearful

Replaces "apprehensive" with "fearful", emphasizing a feeling of fright.

extremely worried

Uses "worried" to highlight the concern and distress, intensified by "extremely".

extremely concerned

Highlights the level of concern and worry associated with a situation.

deeply concerned

Focuses on the level of concern, suggesting a serious and profound worry.

intensely worried

Intensifies the feeling of worry, indicating a significant level of distress.

intensely uneasy

Replaces "apprehensive" with "uneasy", highlighting a lack of comfort and peace of mind, amplified by "intensely".

greatly fearful

Emphasizes the fear aspect of apprehension, using "greatly" to denote the intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "highly apprehensive" in a sentence?

You can use "highly apprehensive" to describe someone experiencing a significant level of anxiety or fear about a particular situation. For example, "Despite the thorough preparation, she was "highly apprehensive" about the upcoming presentation".

What are some alternatives to "highly apprehensive"?

Alternatives include "very anxious", "extremely worried", or "deeply concerned", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "highly apprehensive" or "very apprehensive"?

Both "highly apprehensive" and "very apprehensive" are grammatically correct, but "highly" suggests a slightly greater intensity of apprehension than "very". The choice depends on the degree of anxiety you want to express.

What's the difference between "apprehensive" and "anxious"?

"Apprehensive" generally implies a specific worry or fear about something that might happen, while "anxious" can refer to a more general state of unease or worry. You might be "apprehensive" about a job interview, but feel "anxious" about life in general.