with great apprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with great apprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of anxiety or fear about a situation or event. Example: "She approached the stage with great apprehension, unsure of how the audience would react to her performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In a relatively sedate end to a trading week that began amid great apprehension, stock prices turned mixed yesterday, with investors pushing the Nasdaq composite index down 1.69percentt while driving the Dow Jones industrial average up nearly as much, 1.58percentt.

The New York Times

As a next step, using the improved MINoSGI coupled with the canopy development model with variable LAI as affected by varying environments, we can predict variations in the annual carbon budget of the deciduous forests in the cool-temperate and boreal climate zones, where there is great apprehension about the effects of global warming on forest ecosystems, with climate change scenarios.

Carbon Balance and Management

For parents, panic or great apprehension tended to relate to concerns about their children's health.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

Cragh explained, "with great fear and apprehension" according to the chaplain, that as he was being taken to the gallows he prayed to Thomas de Cantilupe to save him.

Wikipedia

Greater apprehension is felt among the Sunnis.

The New York Times

Tobón's greatest apprehension is the thought of being alone.

The New Yorker

Not surprisingly, some of the greatest apprehension about the trend emanates from staff curators.

The New York Times - Arts

The 20th century opened with great hope but also with some apprehension, for the new century marked the final approach to a new millennium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IT was with great curiosity and the tiniest bit of apprehension -- that I walked toward the fermentation building at the Thai Fishsauce Factory in this small village 44 miles southwest of Bangkok.

The New York Times - Food

Moreover, higher dACC activity has been associated with greater levels of anxious apprehension (Silton et al., 2011).

Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice

Everybody was guessing, some people with a greater degree of apprehension than others, but Sir Harold Nicholson doyen of critics appeared about to tread on Trevor-Roper's toes with immunity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with great apprehension", consider the degree of formality required by your audience. In formal contexts, this phrase works well to convey serious concern or anxiety. For less formal situations, consider using alternatives that are more direct and less elaborate.

Common error

Avoid using "with great apprehension" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives to convey anxiety or worry in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with great apprehension" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig's examples showcase its use to depict a state of unease or anxiety associated with an action or situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with great apprehension" is a grammatically sound and understandable adverbial phrase used to express a significant degree of worry or fear. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's found across various reliable sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, making it appropriate for neutral to formal contexts. While effective in conveying seriousness, it should be used judiciously in casual settings. The phrase's relatively uncommon usage suggests that more straightforward alternatives may often be preferred. The Ludwig AI confirms the expression's correctness and provides various examples and contexts of usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with considerable unease

Replaces "apprehension" with a more general term for discomfort or anxiety.

with significant anxiety

Substitutes "apprehension" with "anxiety" to emphasize the feeling of worry.

with deep trepidation

Uses a stronger word, "trepidation", to indicate a more intense level of fear or nervousness.

with much foreboding

Focuses on a sense of impending doom or negative expectation.

with marked concern

Shifts the focus to a sense of care or worry about a particular outcome.

with intense misgivings

Emphasizes doubts and reservations about a situation or action.

with profound disquiet

Indicates a state of disturbance and restlessness in the face of uncertainty.

with extreme discomposure

Highlights the loss of composure or calmness due to anxiety.

with palpable fear

Emphasizes the obvious and easily sensed fear.

with mounting disquietude

Indicates an increasing state of anxiety and agitation.

FAQs

What does "with great apprehension" mean?

The phrase "with great apprehension" means feeling a significant amount of anxiety, fear, or worry about something that might happen or something you are about to do.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "with great apprehension"?

It's appropriate to use "with great apprehension" when you want to express a strong feeling of worry or fear, typically in formal or serious contexts. You might use it when describing how someone approaches a difficult task or faces an uncertain future.

What are some alternative ways to say "with great apprehension"?

You can use alternatives like "with considerable unease", "with significant anxiety", or "with deep trepidation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "with great apprehension" and "with some apprehension"?

Yes, "with great apprehension" indicates a higher degree of worry or fear than "with some apprehension". The use of "great" emphasizes the intensity of the feeling, while "some" suggests a milder level of concern.