serious apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep concern or worry about a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The community expressed serious apprehension regarding the proposed changes to the local school system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

India might get its own poor law a prospect the niggardly Victorians could not "contemplate without serious apprehension".India's coalition government, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), finds itself in the predicament the British Raj was so anxious to avoid.

The Economist

A recent Pentagon projection of total ownership costs over 50 years of development, testing, manufacturing and operational service arrived at the staggering figure of one trillion dollars, causing serious apprehension even among hardened veterans of military budget wars.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Accordingly, he was again installed in the presidency on January 31 , 1951 in spite of the serious apprehensions of the military leaders who had deposed him in 1945.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although insect resistance is a matter of concern in agriculture and forestry, it is in the field of public health that it has awakened the most serious apprehensions.

The New Yorker

Add all this up and you have serious voter apprehension, which explains his utterly stagnant campaign.

Huffington Post

Others, with an eye on the government's disquieting budget deficit, share the Victorians' serious apprehension.In this section A bid to bypass the lawyers Tobin or not Tobin?

The Economist

The operative statute in this case forbids employers from firing an employee who "refuses to operate a vehicle because the employee has a reasonable apprehension of serious injury to the employee or the public".

Huffington Post

In general, relevant factors include the presence of a deadly weapon, the distance between the parties, direction of movement of the suspect, size disparities, the crime involved, or other facts or behaviors that create a reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or a third party.

Huffington Post

In a recent three-month period, state officials said, license-plate readers contributed to 860 serious traffic citations and the apprehension of 180 people for crimes including stolen autos or license plates.

The Washington Post

There is good reason for apprehension.

The New York Times

They stay there because serious filmmakers have somehow intuited apprehensions both overt and covert, like a Rorschach test of the public's fears at a given moment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious apprehension" to convey a strong sense of worry or concern, particularly when the situation involves potential negative outcomes. This phrase is well-suited for formal writing and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "serious apprehension" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "very worried" or "really concerned" are more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious apprehension" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the object of a verb or after a preposition. It expresses a state of profound worry or concern about potential future events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious apprehension" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively conveys a strong sense of worry or concern. According to Ludwig AI, its use is validated by authoritative sources, primarily in news and media. While appropriate for formal and professional contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual settings. When expressing deep concern, this phrase provides a powerful and precise way to communicate the gravity of the situation. Therefore, using "serious apprehension" is an accurate way to portray potential negative outcomes in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave concern

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the worry.

deep anxiety

Focuses on the emotional distress and worry involved.

profound unease

Highlights a strong feeling of discomfort and anxiety.

intense worry

Stresses the high level of concern and preoccupation.

considerable disquiet

Indicates a significant disturbance in one's peace of mind.

significant alarm

Emphasizes a notable sense of danger or threat.

substantial fear

Focuses on the feeling of being afraid or threatened.

real trepidation

Highlights a feeling of anxiety or dread about something that might happen.

major misgivings

Emphasizes doubts and worries about the outcome or consequences.

acute foreboding

Stresses a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.

FAQs

What does "serious apprehension" mean?

The phrase "serious apprehension" refers to a state of deep concern, worry, or anxiety about a potential future event or situation. It implies a strong feeling that something negative might occur.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "serious apprehension"?

It's best to use "serious apprehension" in formal contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, or professional communications, where a strong and precise expression of concern is required.

Are there synonyms for "serious apprehension" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "grave concern", "deep anxiety", or "profound unease" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "severe apprehension" instead of "serious apprehension"?

While "severe" and "serious" can sometimes be interchangeable, "serious apprehension" is the more common and accepted phrasing. "Severe apprehension" isn't incorrect, but it may sound less natural to native English speakers.