slight apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of fear or worry about something. Example: "As she approached the stage to give her speech, she felt a slight apprehension about speaking in front of the large audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Similarly, the "family" of Riley's island should be much more than the warmth of her parents' embrace, or even the slight apprehension of her father's uneasy business calls that she doesn't understand.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, being aware of the ethical sensitivity with observational studies in a hospital ward, the researchers switched teams at the slightest apprehension that a staff member or patient might feel unease with the researcher's presence.

BMC Health Services Research

There used to be that slight nervous apprehension, but nowadays there is no embarrassment at all.

The Guardian

There's apprehension, even slight confusion. .

Vice

There is no apprehension or doubt.

Vice

"A little bit of apprehension.

The New York Times - Sports

Even with its own mother, there is an ever-so-slight feeling of uncertainty and apprehension, the expression of which will alternate with laughter in the baby's behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their fears usually persist even after a thorough examination by a physician has established that no physical abnormality exists, and the physician's reassurances have only a slight or temporary effect on such individuals' apprehensions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Welcomed sights, and when I hear over the intercom Saviano's unmistakable, self-assured, kind voice, his Italian with just the slightest hint of a Neapolitan accent to make it sexy, every last bit of apprehension is melted away.

Huffington Post

The sight, as they waited their turn to race, of Canfield's crew cheering whenever there was a slight error on the GAC Pindar boat told its own tale of both fierce rivalry and apprehension but Williams came through the first day with a 5-1 score that, technically, puts him in the lead.

Independent

The Apprehension test was conducted with patients lying in supine with their arms in external rotated, abduction and slight extension.

BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight apprehension" to precisely describe a mild feeling of worry or unease, avoiding stronger terms like "fear" or "dread" when the situation doesn't warrant such intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "slight apprehension" when a stronger emotion is clearly more appropriate. For example, in situations involving imminent danger, using "fear" or "anxiety" is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, where 'slight' modifies the noun 'apprehension.' It describes a mild or low-intensity feeling of anxiety or worry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a valid and usable expression in English. Example: "There used to be that slight nervous apprehension, but nowadays there is no embarrassment at all."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight apprehension" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a mild feeling of worry or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers a selection of real-world examples across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While similar phrases like "mild unease" or "minor anxiety" exist, "slight apprehension" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. Remember to avoid overstating the feeling when using this phrase, ensuring it accurately reflects the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mild unease

Replaces "apprehension" with "unease", indicating a lack of comfort or a mild worry.

minor anxiety

Substitutes "apprehension" with "anxiety", suggesting a slightly more pronounced feeling of worry.

light concern

Replaces "apprehension" with "concern", emphasizing worry about a particular outcome.

small worry

Uses more basic vocabulary to express a feeling of slight anxiety or concern.

faint misgiving

Emphasizes a feeling of doubt or suspicion about something, rather than direct fear.

subtle disquiet

Highlights a sense of unease that is not immediately apparent or strong.

initial hesitation

Shifts the focus to a pause or reluctance before doing something, driven by apprehension.

passing trepidation

Suggests a brief and fleeting feeling of fear or anxiety.

low-level fear

Directly states a mild degree of fear, making the feeling more explicit.

hint of anxiety

Emphasizes the subtlety and mildness of the anxious feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight apprehension" to describe a mild feeling of unease or worry about something. For example: "She felt a slight apprehension before the presentation."

What are some alternatives to saying "slight apprehension"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "mild unease", "minor anxiety", or "light concern".

Is it correct to say "a slight apprehension" or should I use another article?

The article "a" is generally correct before "slight apprehension" because "apprehension" is being used as a countable instance of a feeling. You might omit the article if you rephrase, such as "she felt slight apprehension".

What's the difference between "slight apprehension" and "intense apprehension"?

"Slight apprehension" indicates a mild, easily manageable level of worry, while "intense apprehension" suggests a much stronger, more overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety.