The general concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"The general concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a broad, collective worry that many people share. For example, "The general concern in the community is that there won't be enough funding for local schools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"The general concern," explains Khaled Fahmy, head of history at the American University in Cairo, "is about the Ikhwanisation of the state".

The Guardian

The general concern is that if the proximal segment becomes dislocated, it may predispose the patient to relapse [11].

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

The general concern for the state of the environment sets requirements on strategies developed by companies to curb environmental and social impacts of their activities.

Ecological Economics

The general concern behind calls for person-centered care is an ethical one: Patients should be "treated as persons".

American Journal of Bioethics

The general concern with hepatic disease is that exposure to a drug that is extensively metabolised in the liver will be increased, thereby potentially exaggerating the pharmacodynamic effects and/or side effects.

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

B&Q owner Kingfisher has been caught up in the general concern about poor Christmas trading, and the effect of hefty discounting on retailers' margins.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

That is not to say the general concerns about higher borrowing costs have disappeared.

The Guardian - Business

It has charge of all the general concerns of the church's faith, order, property, missions, education, and the like.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Formula One does not, cannot, and has never existed in total isolation from the general concerns of humanity.

The Guardian - Sport

Indeed, the outrage over the cameras echoes the general concerns about government that have fueled protests movements like the Tea Party.

The New York Times

The Democratic leadership's agreement to commit hundreds of millions of dollars for more secret operations in Iran was remarkable, given the general concerns of officials like Gates, Fallon, and many others.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "The general concern", ensure the context clearly indicates who holds this concern and what it pertains to. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "The general concern" as a catch-all phrase that masks underlying complexities. Always delve deeper into the specific facets of the concern to provide a more nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "The general concern" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a broadly held worry or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and frequent appearance in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "The general concern" is a noun phrase used to introduce a widely shared worry or issue. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. To ensure clarity, it is essential to specify who holds the concern and what it pertains to. While versatile, avoid using it as a catch-all phrase that oversimplifies complex issues. Alternative phrases, such as "the prevailing worry" or "the widespread anxiety", can be used to adjust the tone or emphasize specific aspects of the concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The prevailing worry

Replaces "general concern" with "prevailing worry", focusing on the dominant nature of the concern.

The widespread anxiety

Substitutes "concern" with "anxiety", highlighting the emotional aspect of the worry and amplifying the emotional level.

The common apprehension

Uses "apprehension" instead of "concern", implying a sense of fear or unease about future events.

The overriding preoccupation

Replaces "concern" with "preoccupation", suggesting the concern is dominating thoughts and actions.

The main issue

Shifts the focus from worry to the central problem needing attention.

The primary fear

Emphasizes the fear aspect of the concern.

The biggest worry

Highlights the magnitude of the concern.

Public disquiet

Focuses on the unrest or anxiety felt by the public.

Prevailing misgivings

Uses "misgivings" instead of "concern", suggesting doubts or hesitations that are widespread.

Collective unease

Highlights the shared feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "The general concern" in a sentence?

You can use "The general concern" to introduce a widespread worry or issue, like in the sentence, "The general concern is that the new policy will negatively impact small businesses."

What's a more formal alternative to "The general concern"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "the prevailing worry" or "the widespread anxiety", which convey a similar meaning with a heightened level of formality.

What can I say instead of "The general concern" to emphasize fear?

If you want to emphasize the fear aspect, you can use phrases such as "the primary fear" or "the common apprehension" to convey a sense of unease or anxiety.

How does "The general concern" differ from "the main issue"?

"The general concern" typically refers to a widespread worry or anxiety, while "the main issue" focuses on the central problem or point of discussion. One highlights a feeling, the other a topic.