A primary worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A primary worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a main concern or issue that is of significant importance in a particular context. Example: "The environmental impact of the project is a primary worry for the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That was a primary worry of Mr. McDonald in the weeks after the storm.

The New York Times

Income is a primary worry for those who have lost their jobs or land.

The New York Times

So perhaps it's no surprise that 45% of customer executives named security as a primary worry when it comes to IoT implementation.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Power is the primary worry, since an abrupt network shutdown can destroy data, but problems can also stem from something as simple as not keeping a crisis plan updated.

The New York Times - Tech

Gov. Jeb Bush is running unopposed and so does not have to participate in a primary or worry about possible voter confusion, at least not until November.

The New York Times

During a press conference Saturday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said "dramatic flooding" was his primary worry about the tropical storm, which barely moved throughout Saturday evening.

HuffPost

Her primary worry is thinning hair, though this has not happened yet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Debt shouldn't be our primary worry; just where growth will come from for the mass of Britons must be.

The Guardian - Opinion

The primary worry for American commanders now is preventing the bloody cycle of drive-by shootings, kidnappings and bombings from spiraling into an all-out civil war.

The New York Times

Romney's primary worry is that America will become "the France of the 21st century — still a great country, but no longer the world's leading nation".

The New York Times - Books

What that other 20percentt might amount to was my primary worry — plus what all the á la carte items might cost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary worry", ensure it is clearly identified and explained within the context of your writing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating something is "a primary worry" without providing sufficient evidence or justification, as this can weaken your argument or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary worry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the most significant concern. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in identifying key concerns related to various topics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary worry" is a noun phrase that denotes the most significant concern in a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears primarily in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the identified worry is clearly justified to maintain clarity and strengthen the argument. Alternatives such as "a major concern" or "the main concern" can be used for similar emphasis. The key is to accurately portray the issue's significance, whether discussing environmental impacts or potential flooding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major concern

Focuses on the significance of the concern, similar to "primary worry".

a leading concern

Highlights that the concern is at the forefront.

a key concern

Emphasizes the importance of the concern.

the main concern

Directly indicates the principal issue.

a chief concern

Highlights the superior importance of the worry.

a central concern

Positions the concern as a focal point.

a principal concern

Stresses the foremost nature of the concern.

the foremost worry

Highlights the worry as the most important one.

a dominant concern

Emphasizes the prevalent nature of the worry.

the biggest worry

Indicates the largest or most significant worry.

FAQs

What does "a primary worry" mean?

The phrase "a primary worry" refers to the main or most significant concern in a given situation. It indicates that the worry is of utmost importance.

How can I use "a primary worry" in a sentence?

You can use "a primary worry" to highlight the most important concern someone has. For example, "During the hurricane, dramatic flooding was "a primary worry" for the governor.

What can I say instead of "a primary worry"?

You can use alternatives like "a major concern", "the main concern", or "a key issue" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "primary worry" or "main worry"?

"Primary worry" and "main worry" are often interchangeable. However, "primary worry" might suggest a more foundational or fundamental concern, while "main worry" simply indicates the biggest or most prevalent concern.