a concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"a concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a worry or issue that someone has. For example: "John had a concern about the state of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Contexts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not a concern".

The New York Times - Sports

"So that's a concern".

The New York Times

"That's certainly a concern".

The New York Times - Sports

It's definitely a concern.

The New York Times

Gangs remains a concern.

The New York Times

Crime remains a concern.

The New York Times

"That's a concern, yes".

The New York Times

That wasn't a concern.

Independent

That's a concern.

The New York Times - Books

It's a concern".

The New York Times - Sports

Security was a concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a concern", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the worry or issue. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "a concern" without specifying what the concern is. Vary your language by using synonyms like "issue", "problem", or "worry" to keep your writing engaging and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that causes worry, anxiety, or requires attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concern" is a commonly used phrase to express worry or highlight a potential issue. Ludwig AI confirms that it is both correct and usable in written English. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and academic writing. While versatile, it's essential to provide clear context to specify what the "concern" pertains to, avoiding overuse by considering synonyms like "issue" or "worry" to enrich your writing. Ludwig's examples provide ample real-world usage cases, solidifying its place as a valuable phrase in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of concern

Emphasizes the significance of the issue by adding "matter of".

a cause for concern

Highlights the reason or origin of the worry.

a point of concern

Focuses on a specific aspect that is worrying.

a worry

Replaces "concern" with a synonym, softening the tone slightly.

an issue

Substitutes "concern" with a more neutral term for a problem or matter needing attention.

a problem

Directly states the matter is a difficulty or challenge.

a source of anxiety

Indicates the concern is causing unease or nervousness.

something to worry about

Expresses the existence of a reason for worry in a more conversational tone.

reason for apprehension

Uses more formal language to express worry or unease.

something of importance

Shifts the focus to the significance rather than the worry itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "a concern" to express a worry or issue. For example, "The rising cost of living is "a concern" for many families."

What is a more formal alternative to "a concern"?

For a more formal tone, you might use "a matter of concern" or "an issue of importance" instead of ""a concern"".

What's the difference between "a concern" and "an issue"?

While both ""a concern"" and "an issue" refer to problems, "a concern" often implies a sense of worry or unease, whereas "an issue" can be a more neutral term.

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

"A concern" is appropriate when you want to highlight something that is causing worry or requires attention. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.