Concerning

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "concerning" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a topic that you are going to talk about. Example sentence: Concerning the upcoming meeting, I have not received any information yet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is deeply concerning that the University of Birmingham have chosen to respond in such a draconian manner to a [previous] peaceful protest," she said.

The Guardian

Iriscepero wrote: "[I am voting for] Waris Dirie for her work concerning female genital mutilation.

The Guardian

After controversies about blackmail plots concerning the team's captain and Twitter debates on the minimum wage, it is time for England's cricketers to do their talking on the field – starting with Friday's winner-takes-all Tri-Series match against India.

The Guardian - Sport

It is increasingly concerning that Tory ministers seek to exaggerate the potential benefits of shale and dismiss genuine and legitimate concerns.

The Guardian

He said that the players were angry that officials were unable to tell the players exactly what had happened in 2012 "I think the players and anyone involved feels if when you go to your employer and they can't tell you exactly what went on, that's concerning.

The Guardian - Sport

It is understood the formal complaint warns that the Gulf state, which is a member of the ILO, "is in serious breach of its legal obligations" under the convention concerning forced labour, which it ratified more than 30 years ago.

The Guardian

A sharp-eyed reader noticed that there had been a culling of words concerning nature.

The Guardian - Books

"That," the official continued, "is why the statute requires that there be minimization procedures to ensure that when communications of, or concerning, US persons are acquired in the course of lawful collection under Section 702, that information is minimized and is retained and disseminated only when appropriate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's concerning to me that we have an ideologically driven prime minister who has no empathy for the wonder of the natural world, from our reefs to our rainforests.

The Guardian

Jerrod's humour is straightforwardly observational, dealing in stories about his middle-class background, his working life and, yes, his beard; stories that are immediately relatable, concerning subjects that are familiar go-tos for many young comics.

The Guardian

Questions also circulate concerning DeRosario as still offers many qualities, but he obviously doesn't fit into the young player mold and he comes at a high cost.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating worry or unease, clarify what exactly is causing the concern to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "concerning" is versatile, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "about" or "regarding" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "concerning" functions primarily as a preposition to introduce a topic or as an adjective to describe something that causes worry. It can also act as the present participle of the verb "concern". As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "concerning" is a versatile term that functions as a preposition to introduce topics and as an adjective to denote worry. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While frequently appearing in formal writing, it can be replaced by simpler terms like "about" in casual conversation. It is predominantly found in news and media, indicating its broad applicability and relevance in contemporary communication. The analysis reveals its consistent grammatical correctness, supported by examples from high-authority sources like The Guardian. When expressing worry, provide detailed context for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regarding

This is a direct synonym, often interchangeable in formal contexts.

About

A more general term, suitable for less formal situations.

Pertaining to

More formal and specific, indicating a direct relevance.

In relation to

Focuses on the connection between two subjects.

Relevant to

Highlights the relevance or applicability of a subject.

With respect to

Highlights the consideration or perspective being taken.

Referring to

Emphasizes a direct reference to something.

In connection with

Indicates an association or involvement with something.

Bearing on

Indicates a direct influence or impact on a matter.

Touching on

Suggests briefly addressing a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "concerning" in a sentence?

You can use "concerning" as a preposition to introduce a topic, for example, "Concerning the budget, we need to make some adjustments." It can also function as an adjective, meaning worrisome, as in, "The lack of progress is concerning."

What are some alternatives to "concerning" when introducing a topic?

Alternatives include "regarding", "about", "pertaining to", and "in relation to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "concerning" instead of "about"?

"Concerning" is generally more formal than "about". Use "concerning" in professional or academic writing where a higher level of formality is expected. In casual conversation, "about" is usually more appropriate.

Can "concerning" be used to express worry or anxiety?

Yes, "concerning" can be used as an adjective to describe something that is worrisome. For example, "The recent decline in sales is concerning". Alternatives to express worry include "worrying", "alarming", and "disturbing".