quell apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quell apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of calming or reducing feelings of fear or anxiety. Example: "The leader's reassuring words helped to quell apprehension among the team before the big presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rain and snow, rare visitors to drought-stricken Colorado, tamed a scorching wildfire today in the Pike National Forest, but did little to quell apprehension about the effects of severe drought here and in many parts of the West this summer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't think the stolid functionality of that title helped quell the apprehension, though there was a certain unintended comedy in the precision of the dating.

Independent

"Jeopardy" was born when she devised a way to quell the government's post- $64,000 Question" apost- $64,000bout game shows by providing contestants with the answers and then asking them to guess the Questions.

The New York Times

It is clear that this government is obsessed with gimmicks which give the impression that someone in Whitehall is thinking hard, but in reality do little if anything to quell the rising tide of frustration and apprehension that runs deep through all corners of society.

The Guardian - Opinion

Quarter Quell?

The New Yorker

Apprehension, mostly.

The Guardian - Sport

But apprehension shadowed celebration.

The New York Times - Sports

She felt apprehension.

The New Yorker

It also reflected apprehension.

The Economist

Security forces quell peaceful protests.

The New York Times

Quell means to silence, pacify.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quell apprehension" when you want to emphasize the act of actively suppressing or calming down feelings of anxiety or unease, especially in a situation where there is a clear cause for concern.

Common error

Avoid using "quell apprehension" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a formal tone and is better suited for professional, news-related, or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quell apprehension" functions as a verb + noun construction, where "quell" (verb) signifies the action of subduing or suppressing, and "apprehension" (noun) refers to a feeling of anxiety or fear. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quell apprehension" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase that's appropriate for formal and informative contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Though not frequently used, it effectively communicates the act of suppressing feelings of anxiety or unease. It is most common in news and media, and it is suitable for conveying a sense of actively managing concerns. For more casual situations, consider alternatives like "alleviate anxiety" or "calm worries". Ensure that when using this expression you maintain a tone that is respectful and appropriate for the audience and setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alleviate anxiety

Focuses on easing anxiety specifically, rather than a broader sense of apprehension.

reduce fears

Emphasizes diminishing fear, which is a core component of apprehension.

calm worries

Highlights pacifying worries, addressing a specific aspect of apprehension.

ease concerns

Concentrates on mitigating concerns, another facet of apprehension.

dispel doubts

Targets the elimination of doubts, often a precursor to apprehension.

soothe unease

Implies a gentle calming of unease, a milder form of apprehension.

pacify anxieties

Highlights pacifying anxieties, addressing a specific aspect of apprehension.

allay fears

Similar to "reduce fears", but with a slightly more formal tone.

temper anxieties

Suggests moderating or controlling anxiety, rather than fully eliminating it.

mitigate concern

Focuses on lessening the impact of concern, a key element of apprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "quell apprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "quell apprehension" to describe actions that reduce anxiety or fear in a situation. For example, "The leader's speech helped to "quell apprehension" among the team."

What's a good alternative to "quell apprehension"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "alleviate anxiety", "reduce fears", or "calm worries".

Is "quell apprehension" formal or informal?

"Quell apprehension" is considered a more formal phrase, suitable for professional writing, news reports, or academic papers. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual conversation.

What does "quell" mean in the phrase "quell apprehension"?

In this context, "quell" means to suppress, subdue, or put an end to. It suggests an active effort to reduce or eliminate feelings of apprehension.