wave of apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety that affects a group of people or an individual. Example: "As the news of the impending storm spread, a wave of apprehension swept through the community, prompting many to prepare for the worst."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That set off a wave of apprehension that the situation could spin out of control, enveloping Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and possibly even Jordan and Egypt in conflict.

The New York Times

In recent decade, a wave of apprehension swept across the Pearl of Oriental with regards to the disappearance of high value tangible and intangible heritages due to urban renewal and redevelopment.

Procedia Computer Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

B1 ALARMS, ALERTS, RUMORS HOLLYWOOD ON EDGE -- Waves of apprehension are spreading through the entertainment industry.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Republican defeat in a special Congressional contest in Mississippi sent waves of apprehension across an already troubled party Wednesday, with some senior Republicans urging Congressional candidates to distance themselves from President Bush to head off what could be heavy losses in the fall.

The New York Times

No political parties — none.' " Riding waves of economic apprehension and fears about illegal immigration, Golden Dawn won 18 of the Greek Parliament's 300 seats in national elections in June — even after the party's chief spokesman, Ilias Kasidiaris, slapped a rival during a televised political debate.

The New York Times

His stomach knotted itself into a giant wad of apprehension.

Huffington Post

Still, the wave of recent killings has fed apprehension.

The New York Times

The question reverberated around the auditorium last night more searchingly than ever, as parent and grandparents, the elders and betters of their profession, gazed kindly, and with boundless apprehension, upon the next wave of kids.

The New Yorker

"A little bit of apprehension.

The New York Times - Sports

It definitely creates a bit of apprehension".

The Guardian - Sport

"There is a state of apprehension.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wave of apprehension" to effectively describe a widespread feeling of unease or worry in response to a specific event or situation. For example, "The announcement of the layoffs caused a wave of apprehension among the employees".

Common error

Avoid using "apprehension" when you mean "comprehension". "Apprehension" refers to fear or anxiety, while "comprehension" means understanding. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of apprehension" functions as a noun phrase, describing a collective emotional state. It identifies a shared feeling of anxiety or worry, often in response to specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wave of apprehension" is a noun phrase that accurately describes a shared feeling of anxiety or fear. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it is suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news reporting and formal writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of its specific meaning, differentiating it from similar terms like "comprehension". Consider alternatives like "wave of dread" or "surge of anxiety" to fine-tune the intensity of the emotion you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wave of dread

Replaces "apprehension" with a stronger term, suggesting intense fear.

wave of anxiety

Replaces "apprehension" with a more clinical term, focusing on psychological unease.

wave of alarm

Emphasizes a sudden sense of danger or urgent concern.

surge of anxiety

Indicates a sudden increase in feelings of anxiety or worry.

wave of worry

Substitutes "apprehension" with a milder term, indicating concern rather than intense fear.

wave of concern

Highlights worry and interest, often for someone's well-being.

wave of unease

Uses a gentler term than "apprehension", signifying a feeling of discomfort or restlessness.

sign of apprehension

Shifts focus from a collective feeling to an individual indicator of worry.

feeling of foreboding

Conveys a sense of impending doom or negative future events.

sense of impending doom

Highlights a belief that something terrible is about to happen.

FAQs

What does "wave of apprehension" mean?

The phrase "wave of apprehension" describes a widespread feeling of worry, anxiety, or fear, often in response to an anticipated event or situation.

How can I use "wave of apprehension" in a sentence?

You might say, "A wave of apprehension swept through the crowd as the storm clouds gathered", indicating a shared feeling of unease.

What are some alternatives to "wave of apprehension"?

Consider using phrases like "wave of dread", "surge of anxiety", or "feeling of foreboding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wave of apprehension" formal or informal language?

The phrase "wave of apprehension" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, often appearing in news reports, articles, and professional writing.