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Prepositions after adjectives

Apprehensive about or apprehensive of?

Both apprehensive about and apprehensive of are standard. About is more common in everyday English, while of can sound more formal or literary.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows apprehensive?

Use apprehensive about for worries concerning events or situations. Use apprehensive of for fear of something, especially in formal style.

She felt apprehensive about the interview.
They were apprehensive of possible delays.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
apprehensive about + event

Worrying about a future situation

About is common for concerns and uncertainty.

I am apprehensive about starting a new job.
2
apprehensive of + risk

Expressing fear or suspicion

Of often appears in more formal or literary English.

The company was apprehensive of negative publicity.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
apprehensive about
He is apprehensive about the exam.
Everyday expression for worry or anxiety.
apprehensive of
She became apprehensive of danger.
More formal expression of fear or concern.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using wrong prepositions

Apprehensive is usually followed by about or of.

✕ He was apprehensive for the decision. ✓ He was apprehensive about the decision.

Using of in very casual contexts

Of can sound formal in conversation.

✕ I'm apprehensive of tomorrow's meeting. ✓ I'm apprehensive about tomorrow's meeting.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She is apprehensive ___ moving abroad.
2. They were apprehensive ___ potential security risks.
3. I felt apprehensive ___ the results.

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Frequently asked questions

Is apprehensive of old-fashioned?

Not exactly, but it is more formal and less conversational than apprehensive about.

Can I use apprehensive about people?

Yes, if you are worried about interacting with them or their actions.

Do both forms mean afraid?

Yes. Both express anxiety, worry, or fear.

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