mood of apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mood of apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or atmosphere of anxiety or unease in a particular situation or context. Example: "As the storm approached, there was a palpable mood of apprehension among the townspeople."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

NATIONAL A picture caption on March 24 with an article about the mood of apprehension in Detroit as the city awaited the arrival of a state-appointed emergency manager misidentified the area of the city shown.

The New York Times

Coinciding with the mood of apprehension following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the new immigration has provoked more than the traditional suspicion that foreigners are taking jobs from American workers.

The New York Times

NATIONAL A picture caption last Sunday with an article about the mood of apprehension in Detroit as the city awaited the arrival of a state-appointed emergency manager misidentified the area of the city in which several rundown buildings were located.

The New York Times

Others are watching to see how the prospect of a long period of dollar strength, as the Federal Reserve starts to unwind its easy-money policies, will affect emerging-market currencies.To alleviate this mood of apprehension, the World Bank has a jaunty message: "inflation-targeting [Latin American] countries can now embrace currency depreciations without fear in times of cyclical downturns".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He knows how to conjure a mood of brittle apprehension out of the minor crises of suburban life (will Quint's hedge fund collapse? Will his wife cheat on him?), and the book certainly moves at a clip.

The Guardian - Books

Equally damaging was the way in which the NHS persisted in ignoring this climate of apprehension.

TechCrunch

The article refers to a series of events creating a "mood of fear and apprehension across the country".

The New York Times

It was evident that a series of events over the last three days -- Mr. Bush's repeated appeals to the public to go about their normal lives, the anthrax scare and a general warning from the F.B.I. that new terrorist attacks were imminent -- had created a mood of fear and apprehension in the country.

The New York Times

On the Enterprise there was a mood of high tension, but also apprehension.

The New York Times

Enterprise, which launched some of the air strikes, there was a mood of high tension, but also apprehension.

The New York Times

"A little bit of apprehension.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group's emotional state, use "mood of apprehension" to effectively convey a shared feeling of anxiety, particularly in anticipation of future events or uncertain outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "mood of apprehension" when describing immediate danger or panic. This phrase is best suited for expressing a lingering sense of unease or anticipation, not a reaction to a direct threat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mood of apprehension" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a prevailing emotional state or atmosphere characterized by anxiety and unease. As exemplified by Ludwig, it's often used in news reporting and descriptive writing to convey a sense of foreboding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mood of apprehension" effectively communicates a collective feeling of anxiety or unease, especially in anticipation of uncertain events. Grammatically sound, this noun phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, where it serves to set a tone of foreboding. While "mood of apprehension" is a valid expression, consider alternatives like "atmosphere of anxiety" or "feeling of unease" for nuanced contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-suited for describing prevailing emotional states in various situations. When writing, ensure you use it appropriately to depict collective unease rather than individual fears. You should note that while the frequency is uncommon, the correctness of use is high.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atmosphere of anxiety

Focuses on the surrounding environment rather than an internal feeling, emphasizing a general sense of unease.

feeling of unease

Highlights the personal sensation of discomfort or anxiety someone experiences.

sense of foreboding

Implies a premonition of something bad about to happen, adding a layer of anticipation to the anxiety.

climate of uncertainty

Shifts the focus to a lack of clarity or predictability, which breeds anxiety.

air of disquiet

Suggests a subtle but pervasive disturbance or anxiety present in the atmosphere.

state of worry

Emphasizes the continuous and persistent nature of being concerned or troubled.

time of anxiety

Puts the emphasis on a period filled with worrying events.

period of uncertainty

Emphasizes the duration of the ambiguity and lack of confidence.

prevailing anxiety

Highlights the widespread characteristic of worry or concern in a specific moment.

growing concern

Focuses on the increase of worry and preoccupation over a period of time.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "mood of apprehension" in a sentence?

Use "mood of apprehension" to describe a prevailing feeling of anxiety or unease, often in anticipation of uncertain or negative events. For example: "A "mood of apprehension" settled over the crowd as the storm approached".

What's the difference between "mood of apprehension" and "feeling of anxiety"?

"Mood of apprehension" often describes a collective or widespread feeling, while "feeling of anxiety" is more individual and personal. The "mood" suggests an atmosphere, whereas "feeling" highlights an internal state.

Are there more formal alternatives to "mood of apprehension"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "atmosphere of disquiet" or "prevailing sense of unease". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts where a more restrained tone is preferred.

How can I best convey a "mood of apprehension" in writing?

Use vivid descriptions of the environment and the characters' reactions to it. Show, don't just tell, the anxiety. For example, describe hesitant movements, hushed conversations, or worried expressions to create a palpable sense of unease.