with trepidation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with trepidation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of intense apprehension or fear before or during a particular event or situation. For example: She entered the dark room with trepidation, unsure of what she would find.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With trepidation.

The Guardian

"Yes," I answer with trepidation.

Independent

Joy is mingled with trepidation.

The Economist

I agreed, with trepidation.

The New Yorker

Barry looked at it with trepidation.

The New Yorker

We approached these with trepidation.

The New York Times

With trepidation I glanced up.

The New York Times

I approached her with trepidation.

The New York Times - Magazine

You do so with trepidation.

The Guardian - Music

Victoria opens the letter with trepidation.

The Guardian

I went to the film with trepidation.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with trepidation" to add depth to your writing when describing characters or entities facing uncertain or potentially negative situations. It conveys a nuanced sense of apprehension beyond simple fear.

Common error

Avoid using "with trepidation" in situations that are only mildly concerning. It's best reserved for scenarios involving genuine uncertainty or potential danger to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with trepidation" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this adverbial phrase expresses a state of fear, anxiety, or apprehension. For example, "I agreed, with trepidation.".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with trepidation" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to express a feeling of anxiety or fear when facing an uncertain situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriateness for expressing nuanced apprehension. Appearing most frequently in News & Media, it lends a tone of serious reflection, suitable for conveying emotional depth. While "with trepidation" offers a distinctive alternative, be cautious not to overuse it or apply it to contexts of minor concern. By understanding its specific role and impact, writers can leverage "with trepidation" to enrich their descriptive language effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with apprehension

Emphasizes a more intellectual anticipation of possible negative outcomes.

with anxiety

Focuses more on the emotional distress and worry associated with the situation.

with misgivings

Highlights a sense of doubt or uncertainty about the rightness or wisdom of a course of action.

with foreboding

Suggests a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.

with hesitation

Indicates a pause or reluctance in acting or speaking, often due to uncertainty.

with reluctance

Emphasizes unwillingness or disinclination to do something.

with unease

Highlights a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

with worry

Focuses on the mental distress caused by potential problems or dangers.

with fear

Is a more direct expression of fright or terror.

with dread

Conveys a sense of great fear or apprehension about something that is going to happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "with trepidation" to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that might happen. For example, "She opened the letter "with trepidation", fearing bad news."

What phrases are similar to "with trepidation"?

Similar phrases include "with apprehension", "with anxiety", and "with misgivings". Each carries a slightly different nuance of worry or fear.

Is it ever incorrect to use "with trepidation"?

While grammatically correct, using "with trepidation" might be inappropriate in very informal contexts or when describing minor concerns. It's best suited for situations involving genuine apprehension.

What's the difference between "with trepidation" and "with eagerness"?

"With trepidation" implies fear or anxiety, while "with eagerness" suggests enthusiasm and anticipation. They are antonyms, representing opposite emotional states.