waves of apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waves of apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of anxiety or unease that comes in strong, overwhelming bursts. Example: "As the deadline approached, I was hit by waves of apprehension about the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

The Premier League leaders boast players, in Eden Hazard or Oscar, to illuminate ties against Europe's best and a defence that has shipped only three goals in 10 domestic league games, if not yet the prolific strikers to send waves of apprehension through all-comers.

The Guardian - Sport

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

They struggled to impose themselves for long spells against a robust and adventurous Leicester side and, briefly, it was a wave of apprehension engulfing the stadium when Jamie Vardy's stoppage-time header gave the away side the opportunity to pull off a dramatic feat of escapology.

The Guardian - Sport

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

He viewed the new waves of Roman Catholic immigrants with apprehension, and anti-Catholicism runs like a dark thread through his theological thought.

The New York Times

"A little bit of apprehension.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is a state of apprehension.

The New York Times

It definitely creates a bit of apprehension".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waves of apprehension" to vividly describe a recurring or intensifying feeling of anxiety or unease, particularly in situations where the feeling comes and goes in intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "waves of apprehension" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "surges of anxiety" or "heightened anxiety" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waves of apprehension" functions as a noun phrase that vividly describes a recurring or intensifying feeling of anxiety or unease. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used correctly and effectively. Examples show its use in describing political unease and personal anxieties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waves of apprehension" is a grammatically sound and evocative noun phrase used to describe recurring feelings of anxiety or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, with a slightly formal register. While "waves of apprehension" is appropriate, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "surges of anxiety" for variety. Overall, the phrase effectively conveys a dynamic and overwhelming emotional experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surges of anxiety

Replaces "apprehension" with "anxiety" and "waves" with "surges" to convey a more clinical or psychological tone.

outbursts of unease

Substitutes "apprehension" with "unease" and "waves" with "outbursts" suggesting sudden, less controlled moments of discomfort.

heightened anxiety

Condenses the phrase to emphasize the intensity of anxiety, removing the imagery of "waves".

growing sense of foreboding

Shifts the focus to a feeling of impending doom, rather than a fluctuating sensation of anxiety.

rising tide of worry

Replaces "apprehension" with "worry" and "waves" with "tide", creating a sense of increasing concern.

periods of alarm

Uses "alarm" instead of "apprehension" to denote a more urgent and acute sense of fear.

fleeting moments of dread

Replaces "apprehension" with "dread" emphasizing a more intense, albeit brief, feeling of fear.

spells of disquiet

Substitutes apprehension with disquiet, highlighting a general feeling of restlessness and unease.

shivers of trepidation

Uses "trepidation" for a more formal tone, replacing "waves" with "shivers" to suggest a physical manifestation of fear.

episodes of nervousness

Replaces "apprehension" with "nervousness" to denote a state of agitation or anxiety

FAQs

How can I effectively use "waves of apprehension" in a sentence?

Use "waves of apprehension" to depict an intense, recurring sensation of anxiety or unease. For instance, "As the deadline approached, she experienced "waves of apprehension" about the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "waves of apprehension" that I can use?

You can use alternatives such as "surges of anxiety", "heightened anxiety", or "rising tide of worry" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "waves of apprehension" in writing?

It's suitable when you want to emphasize a recurring or intensifying feeling of unease or anxiety, particularly in situations where the feeling comes and goes in intensity. It's less appropriate for describing a constant, unchanging state of anxiety.

Is "waves of apprehension" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "waves of apprehension" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a vivid and expressive way to describe feelings of anxiety across various writing styles.