in trepidation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in trepidation" is used in written English.
It describes a feeling of fear or anticipation of something potentially unpleasant or dangerous. For example, "She entered the room in trepidation, not knowing what to expect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Mr. Del Rosario quivers in trepidation.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a big market in trepidation.

The Guardian - Books

Other tabloids are also trembling in trepidation.

The Guardian - Opinion

It should not travel in trepidation to lowly, doomed Novara.

The New York Times - Sports

Every other local authority is watching in trepidation.

The Guardian - Opinion

In California, the announcement of the boycott had no one trembling in trepidation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

I did it with fear and in-trepidation.

Huffington Post

This mighty feat (and Beckham's mighty feet) enabled Manchester United to relax after they had approached the ground in some trepidation following their surprise defeat in the first leg of the Champions Leaguee tie in Hungary.

The Guardian

The surprise pick of Rex Tillerson as Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state has led to excitement in Moscow – and trepidation in other eastern European capitals – at the prospect of a "friend of Putin" becoming America's top diplomat.

The Guardian

Brace yourself, in patient trepidation.

The New Yorker

I must admit that I crawled toward "The Queen" in glum trepidation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "in trepidation", and whether the intended reader understands the word fully.

Common error

Don't use "in trepidation" when a milder term like "anxiety" or "worry" would be more appropriate. "Trepidation" implies a significant level of fear or apprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in trepidation" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is carried out with a sense of fear, anxiety, or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Books

10%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in trepidation" is a powerful way to express fear or anxiety when facing something potentially unpleasant. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "with anxiety" or ""with apprehension"" exist, "in trepidation" specifically underscores a sense of foreboding. Use it to add emotional depth when describing actions or situations, ensuring that the intensity matches the context. Remember, it suggests a more profound level of fear than simple worry. This ensures clarity and avoids misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with trepidation and fear

Expresses both trepidation and fear, amplifying the concern.

with apprehension

Replaces "trepidation" with a more general term for anxiety.

with anxiety

Focuses on the anxious aspect of trepidation.

with fear

Highlights the fear component of trepidation.

with foreboding

Emphasizes a sense of impending doom or misfortune.

with misgiving

Suggests a feeling of doubt or unease about a future event.

with dread

Implies a more intense level of fear and aversion.

in fear and trembling

Conveys a strong sense of fear and nervousness.

on tenterhooks

Suggests being in a state of suspense or anxiety.

with hesitation

Focuses on the reluctance and uncertainty associated with trepidation.

FAQs

How to use "in trepidation" in a sentence?

You can use "in trepidation" to describe someone's emotional state when facing a potentially dangerous or unpleasant situation. For instance, "The soldiers advanced "with apprehension", knowing they were walking into an ambush".

What can I say instead of "in trepidation"?

You can use alternatives like ""with apprehension"", "with anxiety", or "with fear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "with trepidation" instead of "in trepidation"?

While "in trepidation" is a valid phrase, "with trepidation" is more commonly used. Both convey a sense of fear or anxiety, but "with trepidation" is often preferred in contemporary writing.

What's the difference between "in trepidation" and "in anticipation"?

"In trepidation" implies fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen, while "in anticipation" suggests excitement or eagerness. They are near opposites in meaning.