we are apprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are apprehensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express feelings of anxiety or unease about a situation or upcoming event. Example: "As the deadline approaches, we are apprehensive about the project's outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, we are apprehensive about how these plans might be executed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Accordingly, we are apprehensive of a "first-to-file" system where the first shareholder (rather than the largest shareholder or group of shareholders) has priority access to the proxy statement.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We're apprehensive.

The New York Times

"We were apprehensive about more bodies being found.

The Guardian

We were apprehensive about the school; it seemed to be full of rich white kids.

The New York Times

"We were apprehensive, because it is a very private thing," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"As soon as news [of the massacre] got out we were apprehensive, fearful that he was involved".

The Guardian

By and large, the way the counterculture affected us was that we were apprehensive about potential problems from sit-ins and vandalism.

MIT Technology Review

Maybe we were apprehensive: everyone knew the agonies of Scott and Shackleton, and we were warned that our brains would freeze in 90 seconds if we fell overboard.

The Guardian - Travel

We were apprehensive to take on such a big amount [of debt], but having just had our first child it was impossible to rent.

The Guardian - Money

We were coming out this morning and there was a wee bit of cloud around and we were apprehensive," Adam O'Malley of the Passions of Paradise dive company said by phone from his boat.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are apprehensive" when you want to express a sense of unease or anxiety about a future event or situation. It conveys a more formal and considered tone than simply saying "we are worried".

Common error

Avoid using "we are apprehensive" to describe positive anticipation or excitement. "Apprehensive" implies a degree of anxiety or fear, so it is unsuitable for expressing eagerness or looking forward to something pleasant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are apprehensive" functions as a statement of feeling or opinion. It expresses a collective sense of unease or anxiety about a particular situation or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are apprehensive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a collective feeling of unease or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While it is most common in news and media, it also finds use in academic and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a sense of worry or concern, rather than excitement or anticipation. Alternatives such as "we are concerned" or "we feel uneasy" can be used depending on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we feel uneasy

Focuses on a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

we are concerned

Emphasizes worry or interest in something negative that might happen.

we are worried

Highlights a state of anxiety and fear.

we have misgivings

Indicates doubts or hesitations about something.

we are anxious

Implies a state of nervousness or agitation.

we are doubtful

Highlights a lack of certainty or confidence.

we are unassured

Focuses on a lack of confidence or certainty.

we are hesitant

Emphasizes reluctance or unwillingness.

we are leery

Suggests caution due to suspicion or distrust.

we are reluctant

Indicates an unwillingness to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "we are apprehensive" in a sentence?

You can use "we are apprehensive" to express feelings of anxiety or unease about a situation or upcoming event. For instance, "As the deadline approaches, we are apprehensive about the project's outcome."

What's a more informal way to say "we are apprehensive"?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, consider using phrases like "we are worried", "we are concerned", or "we feel uneasy".

Is it ever appropriate to use "we are apprehensive" to describe excitement?

No, "we are apprehensive" is generally not appropriate for describing excitement. It typically conveys a sense of unease, worry, or anxiety, rather than positive anticipation. Use "we are excited" instead.

What is the difference between "we are apprehensive" and "we are afraid"?

"We are apprehensive" suggests a mild form of anxiety or unease, often about something specific. "We are afraid" implies a stronger sense of fear or dread. The former is more nuanced and less intense than the latter.