a cause for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cause for concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a potential problem or issue. For example, "The recent increase in unemployment rates is a cause for concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That person's a cause for concern".

The New York Times

Inflation is always a cause for concern.

The Economist

Obviously that's a cause for concern.

The New York Times

Theresa's crisps a cause for concern?

Independent

But it is a cause for concern.

The New York Times

Sanitation is a cause for concern.

The Guardian

It is a cause for concern".

The New York Times

It's always a cause for concern.

The New York Times

This is a cause for concern.

The Guardian - Business

That was a cause for concern among experts, he said.

The New York Times

That might be a cause for concern later.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cause for concern" to objectively highlight potential problems without exaggerating the situation. For example, "The company's declining profits are a cause for concern, but not necessarily a reason to panic."

Common error

While "a cause for concern" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "something to worry about" or "that's concerning" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause for concern" functions as a noun phrase, identifying something that warrants attention due to its potential to lead to negative outcomes. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cause for concern" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express worry or apprehension about something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It's most common in news, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, consider using it to objectively highlight potential problems without exaggeration, and be mindful of the formality level in casual conversations. Alternative phrases like "reason to be worried" or "something to worry about" can be suitable substitutes depending on the context. The phrase serves as a signal of potential risk or negative development, warranting attention and possible intervention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason to be worried

A more direct and explicit expression of concern.

worrisome situation

Describes a situation that induces worry.

reason for worry

Focuses on the 'reason' aspect, implying potential anxiety.

something to worry about

Focuses on the action of worrying.

matter of anxiety

Directly indicates something that provokes anxiety.

source of unease

Highlights the origin of a feeling of discomfort or worry.

troubling issue

Highlights the problematic nature of a situation.

grounds for apprehension

More formal and emphasizes a feeling of unease about a future event.

justification for concern

Highlights the validity or reason behind the concern.

alarming development

Emphasizes the worrying nature of a particular event or trend.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cause for concern" to point out something that could potentially become a problem, for example: "The lack of funding for this project is "a cause for concern"." It highlights a worrying aspect without necessarily expressing alarm.

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

Alternatives include phrases like "reason to be worried", "something to worry about", or "matter of anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a cause for concern"?

"A cause for concern" is appropriate in formal writing, news reports, and professional discussions when pointing out a potential problem. It's less suitable for casual conversations, where simpler phrases might be more natural.

What's the difference between "a cause for concern" and "a cause for alarm"?

"A cause for concern" suggests a potential issue that needs attention, while "a cause for alarm" implies a more immediate and serious threat. The latter indicates a situation demanding immediate action and heightened anxiety.