a certain concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific issue or worry that is not explicitly defined but is understood in context. Example: "The committee addressed a certain concern regarding the project's budget allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

We start to feel a certain concern for the actual town.

The New York Times - Travel

"There is a certain concern for history but it's not very deep.

The New York Times - Arts

However, as the crew settles into the third month in its domed habitat on Mauna Loa, a certain concern looms large.

The Economist

The design of these churches does, however, show a certain concern with the expressive effects of height that was to become an essential ingredient of Gothic architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whatever she labeled it, there was plenty of material billowing about her shoulders and a certain concern in the stands that an ill-timed gust might obscure her field of vision.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're not going to sound any alarm, and we're not going to question the whole treaty, but we are opening our eyes with a certain concern to certain aspects that are taking place".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"And also, there is a certain worry, or concern, about the state of international relations," Draghi continued.

The New Yorker

A certain civic concern seems to be rustling awake after a period of hibernation.

The New Yorker

In New York City, a certain civic concern seems to be rustling awake after a period of hibernation.

The New Yorker

A certain mining concern, keen to maintain a steady supply of certified conflict-free diamonds, doesn't want her to find it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Maybe his critics will start seeing that he has a point around certain concerns about justice and equality and that's how we move forward," Obama said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain concern" when you want to acknowledge an issue without specifying its exact nature, allowing flexibility in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain concern" excessively in formal or technical writing where specificity is crucial. Instead, strive to articulate the concern directly and precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain concern" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It introduces a notion of worry or apprehension without being overly specific. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain concern" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce an issue or worry without explicitly defining it. It is versatile enough for use in news, scientific writing, and general discourse, as validated by Ludwig. While it provides a useful level of generality, be mindful not to overuse it in formal contexts where greater precision is needed. Consider related phrases like "a specific worry" or "a particular apprehension" when a more defined meaning is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific worry

Replaces "certain" with "specific" to denote a more definite concern.

a particular apprehension

Uses "apprehension" instead of "concern", suggesting a sense of unease.

a definite anxiety

Employs "anxiety" for a stronger emotional connotation.

a palpable unease

Indicates a concern that is easily perceived or felt.

a noteworthy reservation

Substitutes "concern" with "reservation", implying doubt or hesitation.

a marked disquiet

Replaces "concern" with "disquiet", suggesting a lack of peace or tranquility.

a troubling issue

Focuses on the problem aspect of the concern.

a growing unease

Highlights the increasing nature of the concern.

a rising worry

Similar to 'growing unease' but uses the word "worry".

some trepidation

Suggests a feeling of fear or agitation about something that might happen.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain concern" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain concern" to introduce a worry or issue that may not be fully explained or is generally understood within the context. For example: "The board expressed a certain concern about the project's timeline".

What phrases are similar to "a certain concern"?

Similar phrases include "a specific worry", "a particular apprehension", or "a definite anxiety", each with slight nuances in meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain concern" in writing?

It is appropriate when you need to allude to an issue without going into detail, or when the specific nature of the concern is already known to your audience. It adds a level of discretion or generality.

Is "a certain concern" formal or informal?

The phrase "a certain concern" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in highly formal or technical writing.