a concerning time

USAGE SUMMARY

You can use the phrase "a concerning time" in written English.
It is used to refer to a period of time that is worrying or troubling. For example, "The COVID-19 pandemic has been a concerning time for many people around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Having a baby is a concerning time for any woman, but the experience of most mothers today is a far cry from the scenes of deprivation and tragedy depicted in Call the Midwife.

Independent

So, what may be worse news is this: With so many baby boomers expected to retire in the next ten to 15 years, and the slow pace of younger people choosing industrial careers, this is a concerning time for such a transformation to happen.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We appreciate that this is a very concerning time for the employees, customers and suppliers of Newcastle Productions and will keep all concerned informed of significant updates".

The Guardian - Business

They completed the same questionnaires and tasks with an adaptation concerning time in the MDQ (see measures).

Cognitive Therapy and Research

If it's an anxious moment concerning time, it's also a playful and expansive one.

The New Yorker

There is a related flaw concerning time scales in the "2011 National Center for Atmospheric Research Study" cited in Ingraffea's Op-Ed piece, (presumably this study by Tom Wigley).

The New York Times

Heraclitus: The Tribunal is convened in response to the recent stir caused by a certain video concerning Time known only as The Clock by the artist Christian Marclay.

Huffington Post

Concerning time, a critical parameter is the number h of q-hits.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

It's a tumultuous time, and a very deeply disturbing and concerning time.

Huffington Post

But all the same, the most spectacular process in the court today is a certain tug of war concerning time.

The New Yorker

Van Liew said of the addition of the transatlantic leg: "It's a bit concerning time-wise, but I think it can work if we can keep the show on the road.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a concerning time", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the concern. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a concerning time" as a generic placeholder for any negative situation. Always ensure that the 'time' aspect is relevant to the concern being expressed. Be precise about why that time is concerning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concerning time" functions as a noun phrase, with "concerning" acting as an adjective modifying "time". It serves to characterize a specific period as one that elicits worry or apprehension. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something that is worrying or troubling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concerning time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a period marked by worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while it appears primarily in news and media contexts, its overall frequency is rare. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the concern and that the element of time is relevant. Alternatives such as ""a worrying period"" or ""an alarming phase"" can provide similar nuance. Avoid using it as a generic placeholder; precision strengthens the impact of your writing. The phrase, while correct, benefits from careful contextualization to maximize its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worrying period

Replaces "concerning" with "worrying", emphasizing the feeling of anxiety.

an alarming phase

Substitutes "concerning" with "alarming", highlighting a sense of danger or urgency.

a troubling era

Replaces "concerning" with "troubling" and "time" with "era", suggesting a more extended and problematic period.

a precarious moment

Changes "concerning" to "precarious", indicating instability and risk.

a critical juncture

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression, highlighting a point of decision with potential negative outcomes.

a problematic situation

Shifts the focus to the situation being problematic rather than the time itself.

a period of unease

Focuses on the feeling of unease experienced during the time.

a tense moment

Emphasizes the tension associated with the time.

a difficult spell

Uses "spell" to denote a limited period characterized by difficulty.

an anxious interval

Replaces "concerning" with "anxious" and "time" with "interval", focusing on the anxiety during that period.

FAQs

How can I use "a concerning time" in a sentence?

You can use "a concerning time" to describe a period marked by worry or unease. For example, "The economic downturn is "a concerning time" for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "a concerning time"?

Some alternatives include "a worrying period", "an alarming phase", or "a troubling era", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a concerning time"?

While grammatically correct, "a concerning time" should be used when the element of time is central to the concern. If the concern is situational rather than temporal, phrases like "a problematic situation" might be more appropriate.

What makes "a concerning time" different from "a difficult time"?

"A difficult time" refers to a period marked by hardship or challenges. "A concerning time", on the other hand, highlights a period causing worry or anxiety. While there can be overlap, the emphasis differs.