Cause for worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cause for worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or issue that may lead to concern or anxiety. Example: "The recent increase in crime rates is a cause for worry among residents in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was also cause for worry.

The New York Times

But there's still cause for worry.

The Washington Post

A large roach is not necessarily cause for worry.

The New Yorker

Interior Minister Wolfgang Sch?le said that increase was "cause for worry".

The New York Times

Probably, but some of his hangers-on give cause for worry.

The Economist

Continued price inflation is cause for worry, Hansen said, recalling the bubble years.

HuffPost

Their worrying persists even when there is very little or no cause for worry.

Huffington Post

Is there cause for worry?

The Economist

But is it a cause for worry?

The New York Times

But there is genuine cause for worry.

The Economist

"There is no cause for worry".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause for worry" when you want to gently introduce a concern, without necessarily implying immediate danger or crisis.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for worry" when a situation demands immediate action or expresses extreme danger. Opt for stronger phrases like "reason to panic" or "imminent threat" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for worry" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. As Ludwig AI explains, it identifies something that potentially induces concern or anxiety. It points to a specific reason or situation that merits attention and potential action, often in contexts where the level of alarm is not yet high but requires monitoring.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause for worry" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as Ludwig AI confirms. It serves as a noun phrase expressing a moderate level of concern, often prompting vigilance rather than immediate alarm. While relatively uncommon, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with neutral formality making it suitable for diverse scenarios. Consider using alternatives like "reason for concern" or "matter of concern" to fine-tune your expression. Remember, this phrase indicates a need for attention but not necessarily a crisis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for concern

Focuses on the justification for feeling concerned, rather than the source.

grounds for apprehension

Highlights a formal justification or basis for being anxious or fearful.

matter of concern

Emphasizes the subject or issue that is causing worry.

source of anxiety

Pinpoints the origin from which anxiety arises.

reason to be alarmed

Suggests a more urgent and serious level of concern.

area of unease

Identifies a specific domain or aspect that provokes discomfort or anxiety.

source of disquiet

Indicates something that disrupts peace and tranquility, leading to worry.

worrying development

Specifies an event or change that gives rise to concern.

area of concern

Highlights a specific domain that requires attention due to potential issues.

matter of apprehension

Similar to "grounds for apprehension" but with a slight shift in emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "cause for worry" in a sentence?

You can use "cause for worry" to describe a situation or event that is concerning but not necessarily alarming. For example, "The declining test scores are a "cause for worry" among parents and educators."

What are some alternatives to "cause for worry"?

Some alternatives include "reason for concern", "matter of concern", or "source of anxiety". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "cause for worry" formal or informal?

"Cause for worry" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative like "grounds for apprehension".

When should I not use "cause for worry"?

Avoid using "cause for worry" when describing extremely serious or dangerous situations. In such cases, stronger phrases like "reason to be alarmed" or "imminent threat" are more appropriate.