a cause of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cause of concern" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a potential problem or issue. For example, "Rising levels of pollution in the river is a cause of concern for the local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And that's a cause of concern".

The Guardian

"These irregularities are a cause of concern," he said.

The New York Times

But, the speed with which its affects have been felt should be a cause of concern.

Columbia University

"Climate change is very much a cause of concern for national, regional, and international security.

Columbia University

"Even though they're just tabloids, just rags, it's still a cause of concern," Page said.

The New Yorker

I know that this has quite rightly, been a cause of concern for the RCN.

The Guardian

The increase in debts from court fines is a cause of concern for the charity.

The Guardian - Money

For those dedicated to promoting free and fair elections, that's a cause of concern.

The Washington Post

The safety of surrounding structures against blast vibrations is a cause of concern.

Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

Caine, Queeg's erratic behaviour becomes a cause of concern for the crewmen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's irritating and certainly a cause of concern," Mr. Begin said of the American request.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cause of concern", clearly identify what is causing the concern to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example: "The increasing unemployment rate is a cause of concern for economists."

Common error

Avoid using "a cause of concern" to describe minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations with significant potential negative consequences, not trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause of concern" functions as a noun phrase, identifying something that prompts worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing it introduces potential problems or issues, according to multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cause of concern" is a frequently used phrase across various fields, including news, science, and academia, to denote something that warrants attention or worry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to introduce potential problems or issues. While alternatives exist, they may subtly alter the emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly identify the source of the concern. The phrase exhibits a neutral to formal register and appears most often in news and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter for concern

Changes the word "cause" to "matter" to express the issue of concern.

a reason for worry

Substitutes "concern" with "worry", focusing on the emotional aspect of the situation.

a source of apprehension

Replaces "concern" with "apprehension", indicating a sense of unease about potential future events.

something to be worried about

Expresses the concern more directly as something prompting worry.

a point of anxiety

Focuses on the anxiety that the issue provokes, rather than the concern itself.

an area of unease

Shifts the focus to the feeling of unease that the situation generates.

a potential problem

Highlights the problematic nature of the situation, suggesting it could lead to negative outcomes.

a worrying development

Emphasizes that the situation is evolving in a troubling manner.

a troubling issue

Focuses on the problematic nature of the issue and its potential to cause difficulties.

a significant risk

Highlights the potential danger associated with the situation, framing it as a risk that needs to be managed.

FAQs

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

Use "a cause of concern" to introduce something that is worrying or problematic. For example, "The lack of funding for education is "a cause of concern" for many parents."

What are some alternative phrases for "a cause of concern"?

You can use phrases like "a matter for concern", "a reason for worry", or "a potential problem" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an issue of concern" instead of "a cause of concern"?

While "an issue of concern" is grammatically correct, "a cause of concern" specifically identifies the origin or reason behind the worry, whereas "an issue of concern" simply highlights the area of worry. "A cause of concern" focuses on the source, while "an issue of concern" highlights the subject.

What is the difference between "a cause of concern" and "a cause for concern"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a cause of concern" is more common. "A cause for concern" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the justification or reason for the concern.