a cause for consternation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cause for consternation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that causes feelings of anxiety, worry, or dismay. Example: "The sudden increase in crime rates has become a cause for consternation among the residents of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Still, Trump's populist appeal and eyebrow-raising comments, while a cause for consternation in many Jewish circles, have not left Israelis completely cold.

The New Yorker

During his Presidency, that independence has been more a cause for consternation, as the question became whether there was anyone with enough leverage to make demands of the President on behalf of African-Americans.

The New Yorker

But I hope that New Yorkers will read your profile of his youthful leftist days not as a cause for consternation but as the story of a young person's mature and canny commitment.

The New York Times

But long before work on the "Cavemen" pilot was complete, the news that ABC was developing a show from a series of advertisements had become a cause for consternation in the entertainment industry and the media that covers it.

The New York Times - Arts

Trump, on the other hand, is totally unpredictable". Still, Trump's populist appeal and eyebrow-raising comments, while a cause for consternation in many Jewish circles, have not left Israelis completely cold.

The New Yorker

The involuntary aspect of those requirements has been a cause for consternation in the past four years as the draft ordinance rose through the ranks of the Heritage Committee, Design Review Board, Planning Commission and City Council.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Brown's preselection had been a cause for some consternation for some Labor members, who felt he was an unnatural successor to Parke, a former human rights lawyer.

The Guardian

That date has been much quoted and a cause for enormous consternation, since hundreds of millions of people in Asia rely on ice and snow melt from these glaciers for their water supply.

The New York Times - Science

The current lack of productivity among promising filmmakers in their 30s and 40s has become a cause for quiet consternation among producers and agents, not to mention film lovers.

The New York Times

Recent negotiations between the Americans and Bermuda's Premier, Ewart Brown, about accepting four former prisoners from Guantanamo Bay – a cause of consternation for the British – seems to indicate the pro-independence leader is keen to strengthen ties with his US neighbour.

Independent

While a cause of consternation for first-time buyers, this improves the situation of existing homeowners seeking to switch lenders, since a more valuable home boosts your all-important level of equity and opens up a wider range of deals.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cause for consternation" when you want to express a sense of unease or anxiety that is more than just a minor concern, but not yet a full-blown crisis.

Common error

While "a cause for consternation" is a valid expression, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a reason for concern" or "a source of anxiety" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause for consternation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something that produces anxiety or worry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

14%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cause for consternation" is a grammatically sound and valid way to express concern or worry, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not the most common phrase, with only 7 exact examples, its usage is primarily found in news and media, science, and more formal business contexts. Alternatives like "a reason for concern" or "a source of anxiety" may be suitable in more informal settings. Be mindful of overusing the phrase to avoid sounding stilted. Remember to use it to express unease that is greater than a minor issue but less than a full crisis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A reason for concern

Focuses on the element of worry or apprehension about a situation.

A source of anxiety

Highlights the anxiety-inducing nature of something.

A matter of concern

Emphasizes the importance of something that warrants attention and worry.

A reason for alarm

Indicates a higher level of urgency and potential danger than mere consternation.

A worrying development

Specifically refers to a new event or unfolding situation that is causing concern.

Grounds for unease

Suggests that there are specific reasons to feel unsettled or uncomfortable.

A disturbing factor

Highlights the troubling or unsettling nature of something.

A matter of disquiet

Emphasizes the lack of peace or tranquility caused by something.

A significant worry

Highlights the importance or magnitude of the concern.

A justification for apprehension

Formal alternative, suggesting warranted anticipation of adversity or misfortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cause for consternation" to describe something that is worrying or alarming. For instance, "The increasing number of layoffs is "a cause for consternation" among the employees".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a reason for concern", "a source of anxiety", or "a worrying development".

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

"A cause for consternation" suggests a slightly stronger feeling of unease or alarm than "a reason for concern". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of worry you want to convey.

Can "a cause for consternation" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While grammatically correct in both, ""a cause for consternation"" leans towards the formal side. For informal settings, phrases like "something to worry about" may be more suitable.