a first concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing priorities or issues that need immediate attention or consideration. Example: "The safety of our employees is a first concern for our management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Their guiding premise is that the social and human implications of technology are a first concern.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A first concern is the means required to achieve the benefits of cell technologies.

Science Magazine

A first concern in this regard was to set the structure of the working system and exploitations for displacements and vibrations as a continuous system.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

A first concern was the generation of back flow in the device, especially through the generation of back pressure by the second nozzle.

Nano Convergence

A first concern refers to the possibility that banks specialized in the real estate development sector lend disproportionately to firms prone to default at the beginning of a recession.

SERIEs

A first concern is that, for FDCs, the approval to operate and the application of the quality assessment and rating system will be at scheme level with few observations at individual residence level.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In this sophomore design course, you will be challenged with three design tasks: a first concerning water resources/treatment, a second concerning structural design, and a third focusing on the conceptual (re design of a large system, Boston's Back Bay.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A second concern is more philosophical.

The New Yorker

A fourth concern appears to trump even the first three.

The Guardian - Business

A second concern is that the Iranians almost certainly would retaliate.

The New York Times

These examples raise a second concern, about ethics: What about the risk of manipulation?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying who holds the concern or what the concern pertains to, providing context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a first concern" when introducing minor or insignificant issues; reserve it for matters of genuine importance to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first concern" functions as an introductory phrase, highlighting the initial or most important worry or priority. It sets the stage for addressing key issues. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a first concern" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to highlight an initial or top priority. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its acceptability across different registers. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to introduce the most pressing matter in a discussion. Related phrases include "primary concern" and "top priority". When using this phrase, ensure it genuinely reflects the most critical issue at hand to maintain clarity and credibility. Remember that "a first concern" introduces an element to be addressed, not necessarily the most important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concern

Focuses on the level of importance.

main priority

Emphasizes the order of importance rather than worry.

top priority

Highlights the most immediate and pressing issue.

initial worry

Highlights the initial aspect of being concern.

chief consideration

Emphasizes a careful assessment before action.

foremost issue

Stresses the prominence of a particular problem.

principal anxiety

Focuses on the emotional aspect of worry.

prime importance

Highlights the degree of significance or value.

paramount importance

Emphasizes the supreme significance of something.

key consideration

Highlights a vital aspect that needs to be taken into account.

FAQs

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

Use "a first concern" to introduce the most important issue. For example, "Safety is a first concern when handling hazardous materials".

What are some alternatives to using "a first concern"?

Alternatives include "primary concern", "main priority", or "top priority", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a first concern" or "the first concern"?

Both are grammatically correct. "A first concern" implies it's one of several concerns, while "the first concern" suggests it's the most important or initial concern.

What's the difference between "a first concern" and "a primary concern"?

"A first concern" indicates the initial issue to address, while "a primary concern" emphasizes the importance or significance of the issue.