were apprehensive about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were apprehensive about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express feelings of anxiety or concern regarding a specific situation or outcome. Example: "The students were apprehensive about the upcoming exam, fearing they might not perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many residents, she said, were apprehensive about it because they continued to worry about its safety.

The New York Times

Both were apprehensive about meeting, as it was a first blind date for each.

The New York Times

Americans were apprehensive about unfamiliar traditions, less willing to try new things.

The New York Times - Food

Radiyah was one of the students who were apprehensive about Waterhead.

The Guardian

"Guys were apprehensive about going on the trip this weekend," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Residents said they were relieved that Mr. Hussein had been toppled, but were apprehensive about lawlessness.

The New York Times

College counselors, while appreciative that test officials are seeking enhanced security measures, were apprehensive about the methodology.

The New York Times

Federal officials were apprehensive about oil mixing inextricably into the clouds of sediment that the dredging would cause.

The New Yorker

But the Pusenjaks and many other developers were apprehensive about submitting programs without first testing them on a real iPad.

The New York Times - Tech

The other players were apprehensive about Kyrgios's state of mind, but when he arrived in Melbourne, he was fully committed.

The New Yorker

To put it bluntly, the players were apprehensive about what might happen now they were in the top league.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were apprehensive about" to convey a sense of mild anxiety or concern regarding a future event or potential outcome. It suggests a thoughtful consideration of potential negative consequences without expressing outright fear.

Common error

Avoid using "were apprehensive about" when a stronger emotion like fear or terror is more appropriate. "Apprehensive" suggests a measured concern, while "afraid" or "terrified" convey a more intense emotional response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were apprehensive about" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of unease or mild anxiety. Ludwig examples show it preceding nouns describing events, situations, or changes. The Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were apprehensive about" is a common and grammatically correct way to express mild anxiety or concern about a future event or possibility. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for general use. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the level of concern matches the context; if a stronger emotion is intended, alternatives like "afraid" or "terrified" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt apprehensive about

This variation changes the verb but retains the core meaning of feeling anxiety.

were anxious about

Synonymous, but "anxious" might imply a higher level of worry than "apprehensive".

were worried about

"Worried" is more direct and implies a state of unease or anxiety.

were concerned about

"Concerned" is a broader term and can refer to worry or simply interest.

were uneasy about

"Uneasy" suggests a feeling of discomfort or anxiety, often without a specific cause.

felt trepidation about

"Trepidation" implies a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about what might happen.

had reservations about

"Reservations" indicates doubts or hesitations regarding something.

had misgivings about

"Misgivings" suggests a sense of doubt or unease about the future.

were fearful of

Implies a stronger sense of fear than simple apprehension.

were reluctant about

"Reluctant" indicates unwillingness or hesitation to do something.

FAQs

What does "were apprehensive about" mean?

It means feeling anxious or uneasy about something that might happen in the future. It suggests a state of concern or worry about potential negative outcomes.

How can I use "were apprehensive about" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's feelings about an upcoming event or situation. For example, "The students "were apprehensive about" the exam."

What are some alternatives to saying "were apprehensive about"?

You can use phrases like "were anxious about", "were concerned about", or "were worried about" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "were anxious about" or "were apprehensive about"?

Both are correct, but "apprehensive" suggests a more thoughtful or reasoned concern, while "anxious" can imply a higher level of worry. Choose the word that best reflects the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.