sense apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense apprehension" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear in meaning.
It could be used in contexts discussing perception or awareness of fear or anxiety, but it may require additional clarification for the reader. Example: "The sudden noise in the dark room created a sense apprehension that made her hesitate before entering."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the different biographies of the larger Bush family, one can sense apprehension.

The New Yorker

If you sense apprehension in my tone, that may be because, in this midwinter season of broody short days, with the endless war in Iraq and the devastation wrought by the tsunami, having an easy faith in tomorrow strikes me as particularly myopic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So we blurred his face, and that was the only time I sensed apprehension.

Los Angeles Times

"I don't sense any apprehension at all.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's that sense of apprehension, not knowing what's going to come next.

The Guardian

Amid the appreciation for the attention the world is paying their country is a quietly growing sense of apprehension.

The New Yorker

So even as they jogged into the locker room with a nearly insurmountable lead, there was a sense of apprehension.

The New York Times - Sports

Ordinarily representative and reflective of reality, music here becomes a conduit to a more primitive sense of apprehension.

The New York Times - Arts

The mahout stood near the wall he had just pissed on, watching Chenayya talking to the elephant, a sense of apprehension growing within him.

The New Yorker

There was a sense of apprehension in "Open Air Corners," a solo choreographed by Lionel Popkin in collaboration with Carolyn Hall and performed by Ms. Hall.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, one senior government official involved in intelligence issues described a sense of apprehension about what he believed would be a long, awkward lull ahead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sense apprehension", consider the context and whether a more common synonym like "feel anxiety" or "detect unease" might be clearer for your audience. While grammatically correct, "sense apprehension" can sound slightly formal or unusual.

Common error

Avoid using too many abstract nouns in a row. Instead of saying "a sense of apprehension", try to use a verb to express the feeling more directly, such as "I felt apprehensive" or "I sensed danger".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense apprehension" functions as a verb-object construction where "sense" acts as a transitive verb, and "apprehension" is the direct object. It describes the act of perceiving or feeling a specific emotion. According to Ludwig AI, this specific phrase is not very common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense apprehension" is a grammatically acceptable way to describe the feeling of anxiety or unease, although it's not a very common construction. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is somewhat uncommon. While understandable, alternative phrases like "feel anxiety" or "detect unease" may be clearer and more impactful for your audience. The usage is primarily found in news and media contexts. Therefore, while "sense apprehension" is valid, writers should consider more conventional alternatives to ensure clarity and resonance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel anxiety

This alternative replaces "apprehension" with a more direct term for anxiety, focusing on the emotional experience.

detect unease

Using "unease" provides a slightly softer, more subtle version of apprehension.

perceive anxiety

This phrase emphasizes the act of noticing or becoming aware of anxiety.

notice foreboding

"Foreboding" suggests a stronger sense of impending doom or negativity.

recognize concern

This phrase is a more mild and polite expression.

feel a premonition

"Premonition" implies a feeling that something bad is going to happen in the future.

experience disquiet

"Disquiet" captures a state of unease or anxiety.

observe misgivings

"Misgivings" refers to feelings of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

witness trepidation

"Trepidation" is a more formal and intense expression of fear or apprehension.

discern worry

Using "worry" shifts the focus to concern or anxiety about potential problems.

FAQs

What does "sense apprehension" mean?

The phrase "sense apprehension" means to perceive or feel a feeling of anxiety, fear, or unease about something that might happen in the future. It suggests an anticipation of potential problems or negative outcomes.

Is it better to say "sense apprehension" or "feel apprehension"?

While both are grammatically correct, "feel apprehension" is more common and generally preferred. "Sense apprehension" can sound slightly more formal or less natural. Using "feel anxiety" may be even clearer to your audience.

What are some alternatives to "sense apprehension"?

Some alternatives include "detect unease", "perceive anxiety", or "notice foreboding". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "sense apprehension" to describe a situation where someone anticipates something negative. For example: "Despite the positive news, I still sensed a deep apprehension about the future."