a basis for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basis for concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasons or justifications for feeling worried or anxious about a situation. Example: "The recent increase in pollution levels provides a basis for concern among environmentalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

An April 23 letter to the editor suggesting that I fail to see a basis for concern misses the mark entirely.

The New York Times

There is clearly a basis for concern about electronic voting machines that do not use a paper ballot component at all.

Huffington Post

(1 16) Major deviations in weight in a child's growth pattern over a short time, in combination with parental obesity, constituted a basis for concern.

BMC Family Practice

Given RANKL expression on both T and B cells, there exists a basis for concern about an increased risk of serious infections and tumor development or progression with denosumab.

Clinical interventions in aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Stated differently, Americans would have to reduce mean sodium intake by about 12% before hitting even the top end of the range where even a small minority of researchers see even the start of any basis for concern.

Huffington Post

We sought to establish a basis for decisions concerning discharge requirements and instructions for patients after N2O for sedation.

BMC Anesthesiology

Memos were written as a basis for decisions concerning areas to cover in further interviews, including specific questions [ 17].

BMC Nursing

There is a reasonable basis for concern, and the concern has become somewhat heightened and then exaggerated because so many of us are experiencing a level of stress response that we're just not used to".

The New York Times

Since modifications to the structure of the insulin molecule can alter binding to the insulin and IGF-1 receptors, this provides a theoretical basis for concern about potential carcinogenicity of insulin analogues.

Diabetologia

The results of this study can provide a basis for further studies concerning diabetes care at the primary care level in Oman and countries with similar health systems.

BMC Family Practice

Still, the FDA reports there's not a "sound, scientific basis" for concern.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a basis for concern" to introduce a problem or potential issue that requires attention or further investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "a basis for concern" without clearly explaining what gives rise to the concern. Vague usage weakens the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basis for concern" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the reason or justification for feeling worried or anxious. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basis for concern" is a phrase used to express that there's a legitimate reason to be worried or anxious about a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. Although not overly common, it appears in both news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. To use the phrase effectively, clearly specify the reason for the concern. Alternatives include "reason for apprehension" or "grounds for worry". Overall, "a basis for concern" is a useful phrase for justifying unease and prompting further attention to a potentially problematic issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A cause for concern

A slightly more direct synonym to the phrase.

A reason to be concerned

A rewording of the phrase that replaces the noun basis with the verb to be.

Reason for apprehension

Focuses on the reason behind the worry, replacing 'basis' with 'reason' and 'concern' with 'apprehension'.

Grounds for worry

Highlights the justification or evidence that supports the feeling of worry.

Cause for alarm

Indicates a reason to be worried or frightened, suggesting a potentially more urgent situation.

Justification for anxiety

Emphasizes the legitimacy of the anxious feeling, suggesting a valid reason to be anxious.

Legitimate reason for worry

Emphasizes the validity and legitimacy of the worry.

Warrant for unease

Indicates a reason or authorization for feeling uneasy, replacing 'concern' with 'unease'.

Credible reason to worry

Highlights the believability and trustworthiness of the reason.

Source of anxiety

Identifies the origin or cause of the anxiety, shifting the focus from justification to source.

FAQs

How can I use "a basis for concern" in a sentence?

You can use "a basis for concern" to introduce something that causes worry. For example, "The company's declining profits are "a basis for concern" among investors".

What are some alternatives to "a basis for concern"?

Alternatives include "reason for apprehension", "cause for alarm", or "grounds for worry". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a reason for concern" or "a basis for concern"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely understood. "A reason for concern" might sound slightly more direct and less formal than "a basis for concern".

What does it mean when someone says there's "no basis for concern"?

It means that there is no valid reason to be worried or anxious about a particular situation. It suggests that the concerns are unfounded or exaggerated.