Matter of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Matter of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an issue or topic that is troubling or requires attention. Example: "The rising pollution levels in the city are a matter of concern for the local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is a matter of concern".

The New York Times

"For us, that's a matter of concern.

Independent

This was becoming a matter of concern.

The New York Times - Arts

Should that be a matter of concern?

The New Yorker

"It is a great matter of concern.

The New York Times

"That has to be a matter of concern".

The New York Times

That is not what the matter of concern is here.

The Guardian

"It's not a matter of concern for public health".

The New York Times - Health

They already see the trend as a matter of concern.

The New York Times

That is the matter of concern, not the Oscar".

The Guardian - Music

The accommodations had been a matter of concern.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of concern", clearly state what the concern is and why it is significant. This provides context and emphasizes the importance of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "matter of concern" without specifying what the actual concern is. A vague statement dilutes the impact and leaves the audience unsure of the problem's specifics. Always provide the necessary context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig shows that it identifies something that requires attention or is causing worry. It usually introduces a specific problem or issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matter of concern" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote an issue that is troubling or requires attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in both formal and informal contexts, with a prevalence in scientific and news media. It's important to clearly state the concern when using the phrase to enhance its impact and avoid vagueness. While there are several alternative phrases like ""cause for concern"" and ""issue of concern"", "matter of concern" remains a standard and effective way to express worry or highlight significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause for concern

Focuses on the reason or origin of the worry.

reason for concern

Similar to "cause for concern", it highlights the justification for worry.

source of anxiety

Emphasizes the anxiety or unease that something is producing.

point of worry

Highlights the specific aspect that is causing concern.

area of concern

Indicates a specific domain or field that requires attention.

issue of concern

Highlights that the matter is a problem or subject that people are thinking about.

something to worry about

A more direct way of expressing that something is causing anxiety.

cause for alarm

Implies a higher level of urgency or danger.

significant issue

Focuses on the importance and potential impact of the problem.

grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness and weight of the worry.

FAQs

How can I use "matter of concern" in a sentence?

You can use "matter of concern" to express worry or significance about a particular issue. For example, "The increasing rate of deforestation is a matter of concern for environmentalists."

What phrases are similar to "matter of concern"?

Similar phrases include "cause for concern", "reason for concern", or "issue of concern". The best alternative will depend on the specific context.

Is "matter of concern" a formal or informal phrase?

"Matter of concern" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for both professional and academic writing. More informal alternatives might include "something to worry about".

What's the difference between "matter of concern" and "matter of importance"?

While both phrases indicate significance, "matter of concern" specifically implies worry or unease about a problem, while "matter of importance" simply highlights that something is significant, without necessarily implying worry.