was apprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was apprehensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of anxiety or unease about a future event or situation. Example: "She was apprehensive about the upcoming exam, fearing she might not perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had all his official documents in order but was apprehensive.

MIT Technology Review

Uslander was apprehensive.

The Washington Post

I was apprehensive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But she was apprehensive.

The New Yorker

But he was apprehensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Initially I was apprehensive.

The Guardian

Our first response was apprehensive.

The New York Times

"I was apprehensive," she said.

The New York Times

But one little girl was apprehensive.

The New York Times

At the same time, I was apprehensive.

The New York Times - Travel

Dr. Bukantz recalled: "I was apprehensive.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was apprehensive", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is apprehensive about. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was apprehensive" when a stronger term like "terrified" or "horrified" is more appropriate. "Apprehensive" suggests mild anxiety, not extreme fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was apprehensive" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of mind. It indicates a feeling of anxiety or unease about a future event or situation. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig AI demonstrate its common use in conveying this specific emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was apprehensive" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a feeling of anxiety or unease about something anticipated. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in news and media, while also finding applications in academia and general discourse. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly defines the source of apprehension and that the intensity aligns with the intended emotion. Using alternatives like "felt anxious" or "was worried" can further refine the intended nuance. Keep in mind that being apprehensive suggests mild anxiety, and stronger terms should be considered for intense fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt anxious

Focuses more on the feeling of anxiety itself rather than anticipation of something.

felt uneasy

Suggests a general discomfort or lack of ease, which may stem from apprehension.

was worried

Directly indicates a state of worry, a close synonym for apprehension.

had concerns

Implies a more specific set of worries or doubts.

was fearful

Emphasizes the element of fear more strongly than "apprehensive".

was nervous

Indicates a state of heightened excitement or agitation, often associated with apprehension.

felt reluctant

Highlights hesitation or unwillingness due to apprehension.

was hesitant

Similar to reluctant, but focuses on the act of pausing or delaying due to uncertainty.

had misgivings

Suggests a sense of doubt or uncertainty about a decision or course of action.

felt trepidation

Indicates a more formal and intense feeling of fear or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "was apprehensive" in a sentence?

You can use "was apprehensive" to describe a feeling of anxiety or unease about something that might happen. For example: "She was apprehensive about the job interview".

What are some alternatives to "was apprehensive"?

Some alternatives include "felt anxious", "felt uneasy", or "was worried", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was apprehensive" or "felt apprehensive"?

Both "was apprehensive" and "felt apprehensive" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

What's the difference between "was apprehensive" and "was afraid"?

"Was afraid" is a more direct expression of fear, while "was apprehensive" suggests a more anticipatory and perhaps less intense feeling of unease or anxiety. They are similar, but "was afraid" expresses a stronger emotion.