with apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of fear, worry, or doubt about something. For example: She approached the stranger with apprehension.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And so I did — but with apprehension.

The New York Times

Yingluck looked at him with apprehension.

Independent

Then, with apprehension, I had a look.

The Guardian - Tech

Some viewed the gamble with apprehension.

The New Yorker

Javaid Khan watched with apprehension.

The New York Times - Magazine

The security council heaves with apprehension.

The Guardian

Online companies greeted Utah's move with apprehension.

The New York Times

But elsewhere optimism is tinged with apprehension.

The Guardian - Business

Ms. Brown looked skyward with apprehension.

The New York Times

And so, with apprehension, they had a look.

The Guardian - Tech

Babbage's friends and colleagues may view that development with apprehension.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with apprehension" to describe a feeling of unease about a future event or situation, especially when the outcome is uncertain. It adds a layer of emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "with apprehension" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "with trepidation", "with anxiety", or "with misgivings" to keep the text engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with apprehension" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It indicates that something is done or felt with a degree of worry or fear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with apprehension" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that adds depth to writing by conveying a sense of worry or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing actions performed with a degree of fear or anxiety. While it appears most commonly in News & Media, its use extends to Formal & Business and Academic contexts, making it a versatile choice for expressing nuanced emotions. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "with trepidation" or "with anxiety" to fine-tune the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with trepidation

This alternative suggests a more intense feeling of fear or dread compared to the original phrase.

with anxiety

This alternative focuses specifically on the feeling of anxiety, which is a key component of apprehension.

with misgivings

This phrase emphasizes a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about the situation.

with foreboding

This option implies a sense that something bad is going to happen in the future.

with unease

This alternative emphasizes a lack of comfort or a feeling of disquiet.

with concern

This option focuses on worry and care about potential negative outcomes.

with worry

A simple and direct alternative that highlights the state of being worried.

with hesitation

This phrase implies a reluctance or pause due to uncertainty or fear.

with a heavy heart

This alternative emphasizes the emotional burden associated with the situation.

with reservation

This option focuses on withholding complete approval or agreement due to doubts.

FAQs

How can I use "with apprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "with apprehension" to describe how someone feels when they are facing something uncertain or potentially dangerous. For example: "She opened the door "with apprehension", unsure of what she would find inside."

What are some synonyms for "with apprehension"?

Alternatives to "with apprehension" include "with trepidation", "with anxiety", "with misgivings", "with foreboding", "with unease", and "with concern".

What is the difference between "with apprehension" and "with anxiety"?

"With apprehension" suggests a more general feeling of worry or unease about a future event. "With anxiety", on the other hand, implies a more intense and persistent state of worry, often accompanied by physical symptoms.

Is it correct to say "I am watching the situation with apprehension"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. This sentence means you are watching the situation with a sense of worry or unease about what might happen.