source of trepidation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of trepidation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes fear or anxiety. Example: "The impending storm was a source of trepidation for the residents of the coastal town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The talent wars may be a source of trepidation for companies and countries.

The Economist

But the greatest source of trepidation for England players and fans alike must be the prospect of a penalty shoot-out.

The Economist

But while the upheaval of recent months — with turmoil over the euro, protests in Athens and Madrid and riots in London — has been a source of trepidation across Europe, Mr. Neidlein sees opportunity amid the turmoil.

The New York Times

With this in mind the news that Australia have arrived in England with a player in their ranks who is now officially rated the world's No1 batsman should be a deliciously familiar source of trepidation.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A source of extreme trepidation for race riders, strong coastal crosswinds can smash the peloton to bits by forcing small groups of riders into echelons stretching across the road and leaving those without a good position near the front of the bunch cycling alone and forlorn in the gutter desperately trying to play catch-up.

The Guardian - Sport

It was March, a fine time to take Jim to see a place that had remained a source of fascination and trepidation over the 35 years I've traveled to other parts of Guatemala.

The New York Times - Travel

I responded with a hint of trepidation.

The New York Times

Going through the drawings, Nola was full of trepidation.

The New Yorker

There was a great deal of trepidation.

The New York Times - Arts

The show isn't without a sense of trepidation.

Independent

But this time they are full of trepidation, not margaritas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "source of trepidation" when you want to convey a sense of anxious anticipation or fear about something that might happen. It's suitable for formal writing and adds a touch of sophistication to your expression.

Common error

While "source of trepidation" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in informal contexts. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "cause for worry" or "reason for concern" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "source of trepidation" is that of a noun phrase. It acts as a subject complement or object, identifying what is causing a feeling of fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "source of trepidation" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe something that causes fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While it is relatively infrequent in general use, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. Its formal tone makes it suitable for sophisticated writing, but simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversation. The phrase effectively highlights the emotional impact of a situation, conveying a sense of anxious anticipation or dread.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause for apprehension

Focuses on the anticipation of something negative, making it slightly less intense than "trepidation".

reason for anxiety

Directly points to anxiety as the resulting emotion, simplifying the expression.

cause of fear

Emphasizes the fear aspect, making it more direct and less nuanced than "trepidation".

matter of concern

Highlights the element of worry and importance, making it suitable for more formal contexts.

basis for worry

Implies a foundation or reason behind the worrying, adding a layer of justification.

origin of unease

Focuses on a feeling of discomfort or anxiety, which is a milder form of trepidation.

root of disquiet

Highlights a deeper sense of disturbance and lack of peace.

wellspring of dread

Indicates a more profound and intense fear, often of something impending.

impetus for alarm

Suggests a sudden feeling of fear and urgency, indicating a reactive emotion.

fount of misgiving

Implies a feeling of doubt or apprehension, often about one's own actions or decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "source of trepidation" in a sentence?

You can use "source of trepidation" to describe something that causes anxiety or fear. For example: "The upcoming exam was a "source of trepidation" for many students".

What are some synonyms for "source of trepidation"?

Alternatives include "cause for concern", "reason for anxiety", or "cause of fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "source of trepidation" or "cause of trepidation"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "source of trepidation" is generally considered more formal and literary. "Cause of trepidation" is a more straightforward and common alternative.

What's the difference between "source of trepidation" and "source of anxiety"?

"Source of trepidation" implies a stronger sense of fear and apprehension than "source of anxiety". Trepidation suggests a more intense, perhaps even dread-filled anticipation, while anxiety can be a more general feeling of worry or unease.