a hidden worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hidden worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a concern or anxiety that is not immediately obvious or is kept concealed. Example: "Despite her cheerful demeanor, there was a hidden worry about her job security that she couldn't shake off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But there is still a hidden worry for those Brazilians, and there are many, who remain to be convinced by Scolari's side.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

PAGE A10 HIDDEN WORRY IN ARGENTINA On the surface, the global financial crisis has yet to afflict Argentina, a country made by past economic traumas to live for the moment.

The New York Times

The hidden worry is that the U.S. Army could become the new Troy, and in this version.

Huffington Post

The following messages were identified: "a call for help", "a call for understanding", "hidden worries", "in my opinion", and "appearing neutral".

BMC Family Practice

Five types of messages were identified in the case reports, here classified as "a call for help", "a call for understanding", "hidden worries", "in my opinion", and "appearing neutral".

BMC Family Practice

These messages were given the following names to illustrate what the physicians wanted to express and accomplish in the context of the sickness insurance courses: "a call for help", "a call for understanding", "hidden worries", "in my opinion", and "appearing neutral".

BMC Family Practice

He hints nicely at Sal's hidden worries about a marriage foundering as a result of his being pulled between parents and wife.

Huffington Post

This is illustrated by the definite categories "hidden worries" and "appearing neutral", which were designated together as "mere glimpses" in the early stages of this categorization.

BMC Family Practice

On the other hand, the message "hidden worries", which in some cases includes elements of irony or even cynicism, may reflect a non-professional distancing to the problems faced.

BMC Family Practice

However, considering the physicians in our study, their problems often emerged during the role-play sessions and discussions conducted in the sickness insurance courses, also in cases corresponding to "appearing neutral" or "hidden worries".

BMC Family Practice

But computer experts says the old electronic voting machines have a hidden flaw that worries them in the event of a very close election.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hidden worry" to subtly introduce a character's internal conflict or a potential problem that is not immediately obvious. This can add depth and intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a hidden worry" when the anxiety is already apparent to the reader. The phrase works best when the worry is genuinely concealed or not immediately evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hidden worry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a concealed or underlying concern. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hidden worry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a concealed anxiety or concern. Ludwig confirms this assessment. It's commonly found in news, science, and general writing and serves to subtly introduce potential conflicts or deeper meanings. When using this phrase, ensure that the worry is genuinely concealed, as overuse in obvious situations can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives such as "an underlying concern" or "a lurking anxiety" to vary your writing and maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an underlying concern

Focuses on the concern being present but not immediately apparent.

a lurking anxiety

Emphasizes the anxiety being present and waiting to surface.

an unvoiced fear

Highlights the fear being kept silent or unexpressed.

a suppressed concern

Indicates that the concern is being actively held back.

a veiled apprehension

Suggests the apprehension is covered or disguised.

a secret unease

Focuses on the feeling of unease being kept hidden.

an undisclosed anxiety

Highlights that the anxiety has not been revealed.

a bottled-up worry

Emphasizes the worry being contained and not expressed.

an inward apprehension

Focuses on the apprehension being felt internally.

a private concern

Indicates the concern is personal and not shared.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hidden worry" to describe a concern that is not openly expressed or easily noticeable. For example: "Despite her confident appearance, she carried "a hidden worry" about the upcoming presentation."

What phrases are similar to "a hidden worry"?

Similar phrases include "an underlying concern", "a lurking anxiety", or "an unvoiced fear". These alternatives capture the sense of a concealed or unspoken worry.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a hidden worry"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used in writing and speech.

When is it appropriate to use "a hidden worry" instead of "a worry"?

Use "a hidden worry" when you want to emphasize that the worry is not openly expressed or easily observed. If the worry is already apparent, simply using "a worry" might be more appropriate.