a continuing concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a continuing concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or topic that remains relevant or problematic over time. Example: "The environmental impact of plastic waste is a continuing concern for policymakers and citizens alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Crime is a continuing concern.

The New York Times - Sports

The home runs are a continuing concern for Nova.

The New York Times - Sports

I think there's a continuing concern regarding the economy.

The New York Times

Indeed, sound public policy demanded it register a continuing concern.

The New Yorker

Pressures from demographic change are also a continuing concern, with increased costs of 3% each year.

The Guardian

Union leaders have frequently denounced E-Verify as error-prone, a continuing concern.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Delany said the case was a reason for continuing concern about the N.C.A.A.'s ability to manage the recruiting process.

The New York Times - Sports

Foreigners account for the great bulk of Qatar's workforce, a matter of continuing concern for Qatari officials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mutulu Shakur believes that his own relationship to Tupac was a source of continuing concern to law-enforcement authorities.

The New Yorker

The awards were presented against a backdrop of continuing concern about whether the arts will suffer further cuts in George Osborne's June spending review.

The Guardian - Music

Wheel squeal is a source of continuing concern for many railroads and transits, as well as for their neighbours.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a continuing concern" when you want to emphasize that an issue has persisted over time and remains relevant or problematic. This phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a continuing concern" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "an ongoing problem" or "something we're still worried about" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a continuing concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, describing something that is an ongoing source of worry or importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a continuing concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an issue that persists over time and demands ongoing attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate in various written contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal settings. The phrase effectively conveys the sense of an unresolved problem or worry that remains relevant. While versatile, it's best to reserve "a continuing concern" for formal or neutral writing and opt for simpler alternatives in casual conversation. Remember that using alternatives like "an ongoing issue" or "a persistent worry" can sometimes provide a more nuanced meaning, depending on the specific context. The phrase remains valuable for highlighting issues requiring continuous consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An ongoing worry

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of worry rather than the objective concern.

A persistent issue

Highlights the problem-like nature of the concern, emphasizing its duration.

A constant preoccupation

Implies a mental fixation or obsession with the concern.

An enduring anxiety

Emphasizes the long-lasting and unsettling nature of the concern.

A lingering apprehension

Suggests a feeling of unease that remains over time.

A perennial problem

Highlights the recurring nature of the problem, implying it returns regularly.

A sustained worry

Emphasizes the prolonged duration of the worrying.

An unabated preoccupation

Stresses the continuing intensity and lack of reduction in the preoccupation.

A relentless problem

Underscores the unyielding and persistent quality of the problem.

A never-ending issue

Highlights the seemingly infinite duration of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a continuing concern" to describe an issue that remains relevant or problematic over time. For example: "Climate change is "a continuing concern" for many governments."

What are some alternatives to "a continuing concern"?

Some alternatives to "a continuing concern" include "an ongoing issue", "a persistent worry", or "a constant preoccupation", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a continuing concern" or "a continued concern"?

"A continuing concern" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the worry or problem, while "a continued concern" suggests that the concern has been restarted or prolonged. "A continuing concern" is generally more appropriate for issues that have been present for some time.

What makes something "a continuing concern"?

Something is considered "a continuing concern" when it poses a persistent challenge, risk, or worry that has not been resolved and requires ongoing attention. It often relates to significant issues such as health, safety, or financial stability.