a genuine worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a genuine worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sincere concern or anxiety about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The rising pollution levels in our city are a genuine worry for many residents who fear for their health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

That was indeed a genuine worry.

The Economist

But for Dexter, who equates intimacy with palpating someone's spleen, it's a genuine worry.

The New Yorker

But there is a genuine worry about damage to the economy.

The Economist

It highlights a genuine worry in a tongue-in-cheek way.

The Guardian

The Ireland manager, Martin O'Neill, admitted after the game that Walters's fitness was a genuine worry.

The Guardian - Sport

Running your own clearing house, as the CME does, gives you a tight grip on contracts.This is a genuine worry.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Yet accompanying this lightheartedness was a sense of genuine worry for the future of weed culture.

Vice

So there is genuine worry that a star attraction is not just having a bad fur day but is, well, you know, a little loony.

The New York Times

The White House had just raised the required signatures for a response to 100,000, and no one had hit that number before – there was genuine worry that a complicated issue wouldn't be able to attract sufficient attention in a month.

TechCrunch

The Concepcions suggest that all this is just a parade of horribles, and no genuine worry.

Harvard University

Genuine worry furrows Gaiman's brow, but he has plans to respond to current events.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a genuine worry", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the worry to be perceived as authentic and significant. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "genuine" excessively with other nouns. Overuse weakens its impact. Instead of saying "a genuine genuine worry", try focusing on the specific nature of the concern to convey its authenticity effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a genuine worry" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes a concern or anxiety that is perceived as sincere and real. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a genuine worry" is a noun phrase used to express a sincere concern or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, including news, science, and professional settings. While not overly common, its usage is consistent with conveying the authenticity and significance of a concern. Alternatives such as "a legitimate concern" or "a serious concern" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for the worry to emphasize its authenticity and avoid overusing "genuine" as a mere intensifier. Understanding these nuances helps ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a legitimate concern

Emphasizes the validity or justification of the concern.

a real fear

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the worry, highlighting the feeling of fear it evokes.

a valid apprehension

Highlights the reasonable basis for the unease or anxiety.

a serious concern

Underscores the gravity and importance of the matter causing worry.

a well-founded anxiety

Suggests the worry is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

a pressing issue

Shifts the focus to the urgency and importance of the problem.

a significant problem

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the troublesome matter.

a cause for alarm

Emphasizes that worry is appropriate because of the troubling aspects of a situation.

a reason for unease

Focuses on the feeling of discomfort and disquiet caused by something.

a troubling development

Highlights the fact that the situation that is creating the worry is something that has recently changed or happened.

FAQs

How can I use "a genuine worry" in a sentence?

You can use "a genuine worry" to express sincere concern or anxiety about something. For example, "Climate change is "a genuine worry" for environmentalists."

What are some alternatives to "a genuine worry"?

Some alternatives include "a legitimate concern", "a real fear", or "a serious concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a genuine worry" and "a general worry"?

"A genuine worry" implies a sincere and well-founded concern, while "a general worry" suggests a more vague or less specific anxiety. The former carries more weight and credibility.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a genuine worry"?

Use "a genuine worry" when you want to emphasize the authenticity and significance of a concern. It is suitable in both formal and informal contexts where you need to convey the seriousness of a particular issue.