unwarranted apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwarranted apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety that is not justified or based on reality. Example: "Her unwarranted apprehension about the upcoming presentation caused her to lose focus and confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

communicated through attorneys that the city should cease further communication with residents about the inventory, which had created unwarranted confusion and apprehension, according to the letter.

Los Angeles Times

Even today, as forces like the NYPD keep Muslims under intrusive surveillance and continued cases of FBI entrapment emerge, many have stopped attending mosques or interacting too much within the community out of sheer apprehension over unwarranted government action.

Huffington Post

Kennedy's apprehensions were not unwarranted.

The New York Times - Books

Such apprehension was probably unfounded and unfair.

BBC

Attorney General Mitchell is quite wrong to dismiss these fears as meaningless "bogeys". Civil liberties are never so secure in this country that vigilance against Government snooping is unwarranted — and the present Administration has certainly done nothing to alleviate apprehension on this score.

The New York Times

But I sometimes wonder whether those instincts end up causing another kind of injury, letting our apprehensions turn to a general mistrust, or our worst fears lead to unwarranted accusations.

Los Angeles Times

Apprehension, mostly.

The Guardian - Sport

Apprehension disappeared.

The New York Times

Was that comparison unwarranted?

The New Yorker

"The criticism was unwarranted.

The New York Times - Sports

Tightening now is unwarranted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unwarranted apprehension", ensure the context clearly establishes that the fear or anxiety is indeed not justified by the actual circumstances. Provide evidence or reasoning to support this claim.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all apprehension is "unwarranted". Sometimes, apprehension is a reasonable response to a potentially dangerous or uncertain situation. Only use the phrase when you can confidently argue that the anxiety is disproportionate or unfounded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unwarranted apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, where "unwarranted" modifies the noun "apprehension". It typically serves as the object or subject complement in a sentence, describing a state of unjustified anxiety or fear. Although Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, the absence of examples limits further analysis.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwarranted apprehension" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety that is not justified by the situation. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the lack of real-world examples indicates that it's rarely used. Semantically related alternatives include phrases like "unjustified anxiety", "unfounded fear", and "baseless anxiety". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes that the apprehension is indeed not warranted and provide supporting evidence. Avoid assuming all apprehension is unwarranted, as sometimes it's a reasonable response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unjustified anxiety

Replaces "apprehension" with a direct synonym and "unwarranted" with "unjustified", maintaining the core meaning.

unfounded fear

"Fear" is used instead of "apprehension", emphasizing the emotional aspect, and "unfounded" replaces "unwarranted".

baseless anxiety

Substitutes "unwarranted" with "baseless", indicating a lack of foundation for the anxiety.

groundless concern

Uses "concern" as a milder form of apprehension and "groundless" for "unwarranted", suggesting a lack of valid reasons.

needless worry

Focuses on the unnecessary nature of the worry, implying it's not justified.

uncalled-for anxiety

Emphasizes that the anxiety is not required or appropriate in the given situation.

unreasonable fear

Highlights the lack of reason behind the fear, suggesting it's irrational.

unsupported apprehension

Replaces "unwarranted" with "unsupported", indicating a lack of evidence or justification for the apprehension.

gratuitous anxiety

Implies the anxiety is excessive and unnecessary.

illusory fear

Suggests the fear is based on illusion or misperception.

FAQs

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

You can use "unwarranted apprehension" to describe a feeling of anxiety or fear that is not justified by the situation. For example: "Her "unjustified anxiety" about the new job was completely unwarranted because she was highly qualified".

What are some alternatives to "unwarranted apprehension"?

Alternatives include "unjustified anxiety", "unfounded fear", or "baseless anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unwarranted apprehension" the same as "unnecessary worry"?

While similar, "unwarranted apprehension" suggests a stronger sense of unease or fear than "needless worry". "Apprehension" often implies a more significant level of anxiety.

When is it appropriate to use "unwarranted apprehension"?

Use "unwarranted apprehension" when you want to emphasize that someone's fear or anxiety is not based on reality or a reasonable assessment of the situation. It's suitable when the apprehension is disproportionate to the actual threat or risk.