i became apprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I became apprehensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of anxiety or unease that developed over time in response to a situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, I became apprehensive about completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I became apprehensive at constantly trying to find the parallels between Black Americans and Palestinians and instead tried to take in the environment as resistance, though the connections and comparisons were already being made.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I've traveled so many places in the last two decades that every time I board a new airline, I become apprehensive.

The New York Times

I immediately became apprehensive.

Vice

I became less apprehensive and was ready to start on insulin therapy" (2 years of insulin use/ 5 years of having diabetes).

BMC Family Practice

This time, Nini became apprehensive.

The New York Times

Three subjects dropped out of the study when they became apprehensive about the UBM examination.

BMC Ophthalmology

Shoppers become apprehensive if they think even one company is changing the rules.

The New York Times - Tech

Krone knew she had become apprehensive on the racetrack, a result of her many accidents.

The New York Times - Sports

Individuals become apprehensive when made to work on their own using the ICT.

Government Information Quarterly

"I get apprehensive, certainly," he told the BBC.

BBC

However, when Charles and Francis made peace in January 1539, Henry became increasingly apprehensive.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I became apprehensive" to describe a gradual increase in feelings of anxiety or unease, particularly when reflecting on a past situation or event.

Common error

While "I became apprehensive" is correct, consider using stronger, more specific synonyms like "I grew anxious" or "I started to worry" in less formal settings to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I became apprehensive" functions as a statement of feeling, specifically describing the onset of a state of unease or anxiety. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it often precedes the reason for the apprehension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I became apprehensive" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a growing feeling of anxiety or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to personal narratives. While simpler alternatives exist, this phrase offers a nuanced way to convey the gradual development of apprehension. While suitable for formal and informal purposes, it is more commonly used in News & Media and Science-related publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I grew worried

This alternative replaces "apprehensive" with "worried", focusing on the feeling of concern.

I started to worry

This alternative shifts the focus to the act of worrying, rather than the specific emotion.

I began to feel anxious

This alternative replaces "apprehensive" with "anxious", highlighting the feeling of anxiety.

I turned uneasy

This alternative uses "uneasy" to convey a similar sense of discomfort and worry.

I felt a sense of foreboding

This alternative implies a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

I developed concerns

This alternative focuses on the development of specific worries or issues.

I was getting anxious

This alternative places more emphasis on the process of getting anxious.

I began to have misgivings

This alternative indicates doubts or reservations about something.

I started feeling doubtful

This alternative highlights the feeling of uncertainty and doubt.

I found myself fearing

This alternative expresses a direct experience of fear related to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "I became apprehensive" to describe a gradual onset of anxiety or unease. For instance, "As the deadline approached, "I became apprehensive" about completing the project on time".

What's a good alternative to "I became apprehensive"?

Alternatives include "I grew worried", "I started to worry", or "I began to feel anxious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I became apprehensive" formal or informal?

"I became apprehensive" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very informal settings, simpler phrases like "I got worried" might be preferred.

What does it mean to say "I became apprehensive"?

Saying "I became apprehensive" means you gradually started to feel anxious, uneasy, or worried about something. It implies a growing sense of concern or foreboding.