out of trepidation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of trepidation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions taken due to fear or anxiety about a situation. Example: "She decided to stay silent out of trepidation, fearing the consequences of speaking up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

At the sprawling Winston Towers 300, which rises 31floorss into the air, neighbors are starting to eye each other a bit suspiciously -- not out of trepidation, but curiosity.

The New York Times

Out of trepidation, Cook says, she waited four months after Aqui's opening to visit it — longer than she would normally wait to review a restaurant — and when she finally did go she found the food "terrific," the staff radiating "intelligence and esprit de corps," and Qui nowhere to be found; according to his employees, he only comes into the restaurant around once a week.

The New Yorker

The fear now is that other companies will refuse to trade with Enron out of trepidation that it will file for bankruptcy and not pay its bills.

Forbes

Yet now, as Prime Minister, Netanyahu, Israel's most persuasive spokesman, has seemingly chosen not to openly champion Arab freedom, partly out of fear of what comes next and partly out of trepidation that his voice will give credence to those Arab tyrants and enemies of Israel who argue that the Jewish state is the secret instigator behind the unrest.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But the greatest source of trepidation for England players and fans alike must be the prospect of a penalty shoot-out.

The Economist

I responded with a hint of trepidation.

The New York Times

There was a great deal of trepidation.

The New York Times - Arts

There were cringings and gestures of trepidation.

The New York Times - Arts

It increases my sense of trepidation.

The Guardian - Arts

Going through the drawings, Nola was full of trepidation.

The New Yorker

The show isn't without a sense of trepidation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of trepidation" when you want to emphasize that fear or anxiety is the primary reason behind a specific action or decision. It adds a touch of formality and highlights the emotional state driving the behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "out of trepidation" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "because of fear" or "from anxiety" are often more appropriate and natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of trepidation" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the reason or cause of an action. It explains the motivation behind a behavior stemming from fear or anxiety, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "out of trepidation" is a prepositional phrase indicating that an action is motivated by fear or anxiety. While grammatically correct and primarily found in News & Media contexts, as identified by Ludwig, it's relatively rare. Consider simpler alternatives like "because of fear" in informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage for expressing the cause of an action rooted in apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to apprehension

Replaces "trepidation" with a synonym, maintaining a formal tone but slightly softening the emotional intensity.

because of anxiety

Substitutes "trepidation" with a more common term, making the phrase more accessible and slightly less formal.

from fear

Simplifies the phrase using the basic emotion, sacrificing nuance for directness and broader comprehension.

motivated by worry

Emphasizes the element of worry as the driving force, shifting the focus slightly from pure fear.

in response to unease

Highlights a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety, offering a more subtle and understated alternative.

acting cautiously due to fear

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the cautious action resulting from fear.

prompted by alarm

Replaces "trepidation" with "alarm", implying a more sudden and acute sense of fear.

driven by misgivings

Shifts the focus to feelings of doubt or suspicion as the primary motivator, rather than pure fear.

because of foreboding

Suggests a sense of impending doom or misfortune as the reason for the action, adding a layer of dramatic anticipation.

out of concern and caution

Emphasizes both worry and carefulness as reasons for action, widening the scope of the motivation.

FAQs

What does "out of trepidation" mean?

The phrase "out of trepidation" means acting or feeling a certain way because of fear, anxiety, or apprehension about something that might happen.

How can I use "out of trepidation" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe why someone is doing something, like: "She hesitated "due to apprehension", unsure of what to expect."

What can I say instead of "out of trepidation"?

Alternatives include "from fear", "because of anxiety", or "motivated by worry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "out of trepidation" formal or informal?

The phrase "out of trepidation" is generally considered formal. In informal settings, simpler expressions are preferred.