a concern for

USAGE SUMMARY

'a concern for' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used in the context of someone feeling worry or anxiety for something or someone. Example: We all had a growing concern for her safety as the night drew on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This raises a concern for me".

The New York Times

That would be a concern for shareholders.

The New York Times

"It should be a concern for everyone".

The New York Times

That poses a concern for the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a concern for everyone".

The New York Times

It's a concern for consumers.

The New York Times

Justice: a concern for fairness.

Harvard Business Review

But that's a concern for another day.

The New York Times

That is a concern for us".

The Guardian - Business

But that's not a concern for CLA.

The Guardian

It wasn't really a concern for long.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a concern for", ensure that the context clearly identifies who or what is experiencing the concern and what the subject of the concern is. For example, "There is a concern for the environment" clearly identifies the subject of the worry.

Common error

Avoid using "of" in place of "for" when expressing concern. "A concern of" implies possession or belonging, not the subject of worry. It is more appropriate to say "a concern for safety" instead of "a concern of safety".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concern for" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, and examples demonstrate its role in expressing worry or responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concern for" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it is both correct and usable. It effectively conveys worry, interest, or responsibility towards a particular subject or person across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal communications. While alternatives like "a worry about" exist, understanding the nuances of "a concern for" allows for precise expression. Remember to maintain clarity about who or what is experiencing the concern and avoid the common error of using "of" instead of "for". The phrase demonstrates a notable presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worry about

This alternative focuses on the feeling of anxiety or unease regarding something.

a preoccupation with

This suggests a state of being constantly absorbed in or focused on something.

an anxiety over

This highlights the anxious feelings related to a specific issue.

a responsibility towards

This emphasizes the sense of duty or obligation to care for something.

a need for

This phrase focuses on the necessity of something.

an interest in

This indicates a focus or curiosity about something.

a regard for

This suggests a respectful consideration for something.

a focus on

This highlights the concentration of effort or attention on a subject.

an attentiveness to

This emphasizes the careful attention paid to something.

a solicitude for

This implies a deep and caring concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "a concern for" to express worry or interest regarding someone or something. For example, "There is a concern for the environment among young people", or "Her concern for her patients is evident in her dedication."

What are some alternatives to "a concern for"?

Some alternatives include "a worry about", "a preoccupation with", or "an anxiety over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "a concern for" when you want to highlight a feeling of worry, responsibility, or strong interest in a particular subject. It is particularly useful in formal writing or when discussing serious topics.

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

While both phrases convey worry, "a concern for" often implies a deeper, more sustained sense of responsibility or care, while "a concern about" can refer to a more immediate or specific worry.