they were apprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were apprehensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of anxiety or unease about a situation or event. Example: "As the deadline approached, they were apprehensive about the outcome of their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

They were apprehensive and nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

THOUGH Christine and David Crowe were eager to downsize, they were apprehensive.

The New York Times

Though the Romeoville leak was contained with little apparent environmental damage, some residents near the pipeline said they were apprehensive.

The New York Times

They were apprehensive, unsure whether their fans would remember them, but on arrival, the streets were jammed with expectant fans.

The Guardian

Some AIDS experts said they were apprehensive about Mr. Tobias' lack of experience in Africa and with AIDS, and his close ties to the pharmaceutical industry, which has fought the use of generic drugs.

The New York Times

Congressional Republicans welcomed the prospect that Mr. Bush would lead a high-profile campaign for prescription drug benefits, but they said they were apprehensive about White House ideas for fundamental changes in the Medicare structure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Some Middle East business leaders acknowledged they are apprehensive about United States policy.

The New York Times

But they are apprehensive, as some of Louisiana's most productive estuaries, like Barataria Bay, were heavily affected.

The New York Times

But they are apprehensive about the future, and they tell us they plan to hold back on spending".

The New York Times

More generally, they are apprehensive about Medicare's plans to reward and penalize hospitals based on untested measures of efficiency that include spending per beneficiary.

The New York Times - Health

"People don't want to say they're apprehensive," he continued, "but if they were thinking about having a getaway before, this has reinforced the notion".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were apprehensive", ensure the context clearly indicates what they are apprehensive about. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "they were apprehensive" without specifying the cause of their apprehension. Vague statements can confuse readers; clarify the source of their unease for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were apprehensive" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the emotional state of a group of people. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “they were apprehensive” effectively conveys a sense of unease or worry experienced by a group. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal communications. When employing this phrase, ensuring clarity regarding the source of their apprehension enhances understanding. Alternatives like "they felt anxious" or "they were worried" can be used to subtly adjust the conveyed emotion. Avoiding vagueness and providing specific context maximizes the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they felt anxious

Focuses more on the internal feeling of anxiety rather than a specific concern.

they felt uneasy

Suggests a general sense of discomfort or lack of ease.

they were worried

Emphasizes concern about potential negative outcomes.

they were concerned

Highlights a sense of responsibility and care, with a hint of worry.

they were fearful

Indicates a stronger emotion of fear, suggesting a perceived threat.

they were afraid

Directly expresses fear, often of a specific event or situation.

they were nervous

Implies a state of agitation or restlessness, often before an event.

they had misgivings

Suggests doubts or reservations about a decision or course of action.

they were hesitant

Highlights reluctance or unwillingness to proceed, often due to uncertainty.

they were reluctant

Implies unwillingness and resistance to a particular course of action.

FAQs

What does "they were apprehensive" mean?

The phrase "they were apprehensive" means that a group of people felt anxious, uneasy, or worried about something that might happen or a situation they were facing. It suggests a feeling of concern or anticipation of potential negative outcomes.

What can I say instead of "they were apprehensive"?

You can use alternatives like "they felt anxious", "they were worried", or "they were concerned" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they were apprehensive"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "they were apprehensive". The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, with "they" as the subject, "were" as the past tense of the verb "to be", and "apprehensive" as the adjective describing their state.

How do I use "they were apprehensive" in a sentence?

You can use "they were apprehensive" to describe a group's feelings of unease or worry in various contexts. For example: "They were apprehensive about the upcoming exam", or "They were apprehensive about the company's new policies".