A valid concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A valid concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging that a particular issue or worry is reasonable and deserves attention. Example: "While I appreciate your enthusiasm for the project, I must address a valid concern regarding the budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A valid concern on a day when the temperature was past 90 degrees.

The New York Times - Style

A valid concern, true, but you should hear BMW's take, we think, before you make your judgments.

Forbes

A valid concern about producing industrial products in agriculture is that it will compete with and could jeopardize food availability.

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology

It is a valid concern.

The New York Times

Considering their history, it's a valid concern.

The New York Times

With regard to extremists, that is a valid concern.

The Guardian

But my grandfather thought this was a valid concern.

The New Yorker

The loss of a homeland just doesn't compute as a valid concern.

The New York Times

"People have a valid concern, but they're measuring radiation using the wrong devices," he said.

The New York Times

Though a valid concern, this does not detract from very significant concerns about transparency in aggregate.

The Guardian - Tech

Senator Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington, said Mr. Coburn had raised a valid concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "A valid concern", follow it with a clear explanation of why the concern is valid. Providing context strengthens your argument and shows you've considered the issue thoroughly.

Common error

Avoid using "A valid concern" dismissively. While acknowledging a concern is good, don't use the phrase to quickly brush it aside. Instead, address it with thoughtful consideration and demonstrate that you understand the implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A valid concern" functions as a noun phrase that serves as the subject complement, indicating a state of being or attribute. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It highlights that a specific issue or worry is deemed reasonable and worthy of attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A valid concern" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to acknowledge a legitimate worry or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is readily usable in written English. Its presence across diverse sources, like News & Media and Science, underscores its broad applicability. When employing this phrase, remember to contextualize it with a clear explanation. Alternatives such as "a legitimate worry" or "a reasonable apprehension" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. Keep in mind, though, it is best to not overstate the phrase and risk being dismissive as that is one of the major writing mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A legitimate worry

Replaces "concern" with "worry" and "valid" with "legitimate", both implying a justifiable reason for unease.

An understandable concern

Focuses on the ease with which the concern can be comprehended, highlighting its apparent validity.

A genuine concern

Highlights the sincerity and authenticity of the worry or issue.

A credible worry

Replaces "valid" with "credible", indicating the concern is believable and worthy of consideration.

A warranted worry

Suggests the concern is justified and appropriate based on the circumstances.

A reasonable apprehension

Substitutes "concern" with "apprehension", suggesting a feeling of anxiety or fear that is justifiable.

A justifiable anxiety

Uses "anxiety" instead of "concern", highlighting the emotional aspect of the worry, while maintaining the sense of validity.

A well-founded fear

Emphasizes the basis for the concern, suggesting it stems from concrete reasons.

A real cause for alarm

Indicates that the situation presents a true and significant reason to be worried.

A pressing issue

Shifts focus to the urgency and importance of the concern, implying it requires immediate attention.

FAQs

What does "A valid concern" mean?

The phrase "A valid concern" indicates that a worry, issue, or point raised is reasonable, justified, and deserves attention. It suggests that there are legitimate grounds for the concern.

How can I use "A valid concern" in a sentence?

You can use "A valid concern" to acknowledge a worry before addressing it. For example: "While I appreciate your enthusiasm for the project, I must address "a valid concern" regarding the budget constraints."

What can I say instead of "A valid concern"?

You can use alternatives like "a legitimate worry", "a reasonable apprehension", or "a justifiable anxiety" depending on the context.

Is "A valid concern" formal or informal?

"A valid concern" is suitable for both formal and informal settings. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and context of the communication.