point of apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point of apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment or situation where someone feels uncertainty, fear, or concern about something. Example: "At the point of apprehension, she hesitated to make her decision, unsure of the consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That slight is no statement on the deposed champions who will accept it as sufficient tribute that the most exciting and dangerous team in the world regard them as equals, to be respected to the point of apprehension.

The Guardian

We need to reform our criminal justice system, from top to bottom, from point of apprehension to length of sentencing to prison administration to re-entry into society.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Evening: The crowd watching the Auto Thrill Show in the Garden has been worked up to a point of high tension, apprehension, and excitement — the announcer has filled the air with lurid warnings, ominous pronouncements — and now Knievel, having raced his motorcycle back and forth on one wheel a few times, has gone into the wings.

The New Yorker

(Mother of female) Impact on school "So obviously there was apprehension from her point of view going back to school, a different peer group because she's in a different group".

Archives of Disease in Childhood

At this point, it's natural to close off to the other person, often accompanied by feelings of apprehension, resentment, or disdain.

Huffington Post

"A little bit of apprehension.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is a state of apprehension.

The New York Times

It definitely creates a bit of apprehension".

The Guardian - Sport

They are different modes of apprehension.

The New York Times - Arts

Obviously, there was a lot of apprehension".

The New York Times

The classroom carried an air of apprehension.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "point of apprehension" to denote a precise instant when someone begins to feel worry or fear about a specific situation. For instance, "At the point of apprehension, she paused before opening the door."

Common error

Avoid using "point of apprehension" when "point of anticipation" is more appropriate. Apprehension indicates a sense of dread or unease, while anticipation suggests excitement or expectation. Ensure the context aligns with worry, not eagerness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier indicating a specific moment or stage where anxiety or fear arises. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "point of apprehension" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a specific moment when worry or fear begins. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While not extremely common, its precise meaning makes it a useful choice for clearly indicating the onset of anxiety. Remember to use it when you want to pinpoint the exact instant when apprehension arises, distinguishing it from anticipation or excitement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Moment of anxiety

Replaces apprehension with a more general term for unease.

Time of unease

Shifts the focus to a period characterized by a lack of comfort.

Instant of fear

Emphasizes a sudden feeling of alarm.

Pinnacle of worry

Highlights the highest degree of concern.

Apex of concern

Focuses on the highest level of worry or interest.

Height of disquiet

Emphasizes a disturbance in calmness or peace.

Onset of dread

Indicates the beginning of intense fear or anxiety.

Threshold of fear

Implies a boundary where fear begins.

Zenith of nervousness

Highlights the highest level of agitation.

Crisis of confidence

Emphasizes a critical moment where belief in oneself falters.

FAQs

How can I use "point of apprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "point of apprehension" to describe a moment when someone begins to feel anxiety or fear about a situation. For example: "At the "point of apprehension", she hesitated before making her decision, unsure of the consequences."

What can I say instead of "point of apprehension"?

You can use alternatives like "moment of anxiety", "time of unease", or "instant of fear" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "point of apprehension" or "moment of apprehension"?

Both "point of apprehension" and "moment of apprehension" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific flow of the sentence.

What's the difference between "apprehension" and "fear"?

"Apprehension" generally implies a sense of unease or anxiety about something that might happen in the future, while "fear" is a more immediate and intense emotional response to a perceived threat. Thus, "point of apprehension" marks the onset of this unease.