Significant worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Significant worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a concern or issue that is considered important or serious. Example: "The recent rise in cyberattacks has become a significant worry for many businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Of course, with so much data stored electronically these days, privacy is a significant worry.

The New York Times

He says that the company is working on fortifying the construction, but denies it is a significant worry.

The New York Times

"It's a significant worry because the more they spread it around, the higher the risk something gets loose".

The New York Times

"It's our significant worry that corporate profits in the nonfinancial part of the system are likely to be weak over the next couple of years," Mr. Inker said.

The New York Times

A more significant worry is that anything that could confuse matters is the last thing that hard-pressed security staff need.

Independent

Professor Murie has another, more significant worry about the revived right-to-buy: increasing numbers of right-to-buy homes are sold onto private landlords rather than new homeowners.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

French banks, though, continue to face significant worries.

The New York Times

In April 2012, Cumbria police met the NMC to given them a detailed list of cases at Furness general hospital about which they had significant worries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Business contacts in Atlanta and Chicago said economic activity slowed in June and July, with significant worries in Atlanta related to the Gulf Coast oil spill.

The New York Times

Pete Campbell, a hospital doctor in the north-east who undertook the survey with the assistance of the British Medical Association, said: "This survey is just a snapshot of medical understaffing, which is going on on a significant, worrying and dangerous scale.

The Guardian

However, a source in one of the campaigns said there were still "significant worries" about problems with the integrity of the contest that had not been allayed by Harman's briefing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal feelings, consider using "significant worry" to articulate a deep sense of unease, while in formal reports, it helps emphasize critical issues that warrant attention.

Common error

Avoid using "significant worry" in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "big concern" or "major worry" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant worry" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it correctly identifies a subject of considerable concern or importance. It often serves as the object of a verb or the subject complement, denoting something that causes anxiety or unease.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "significant worry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a substantial concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business, albeit with a leaning toward formal settings. When writing, consider using it to emphasize issues that merit serious attention, and be mindful of the context to avoid overuse in casual conversations. Alternatives like "major concern" or "serious apprehension" may be suitable depending on the level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Substantial worry

Highlights the magnitude or extent of the worry.

Major concern

Focuses on the level of importance attached to the worry.

Key concern

Emphasizes the worry is a central or essential issue.

Serious apprehension

Highlights a feeling of anxiety about something that might happen.

Primary concern

Indicates the worry is of utmost importance.

Notable worry

Suggests the worry is worthy of attention or notice.

Considerable anxiety

Emphasizes the degree of anxiety experienced.

Grave concern

Indicates the worry is serious and potentially dangerous.

Alarming concern

Highlights the worry as something that causes alarm.

Profound unease

Suggests a deep and unsettling feeling of worry.

FAQs

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

"Significant worry" is used to emphasize the importance of a concern. For example, "Data breaches are a "significant worry" for many companies."

What are some alternatives to "Significant worry"?

Alternatives include "major concern", "serious apprehension", or "grave concern", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "Significant worry" formal or informal?

"Significant worry" leans towards the formal side but can be used in neutral contexts as well. In very casual settings, simpler expressions might be more suitable.

How does "Significant worry" differ from "Minor concern"?

"Significant worry" indicates a substantial issue with potentially serious consequences, while "Minor concern" suggests a less critical or impactful problem.