a hint of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hint of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the feeling of someone expressing slight worry or apprehension about something. For example, "I noticed a hint of concern in her voice when asking for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Lancaster did not betray even a hint of concern.

Independent

They gaze down without a hint of concern.

The Guardian

The patient smiled, and his movements seemed confident, but in his eyes, there was a hint of concern, maybe even fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

Over many years, similar assets have been sold to a range of foreign buyers, including the Chinese, without a hint of concern for such issues.

The Guardian

However, he added, "I didn't find anywhere in those affidavits any expression of concern by the plaintiffs' positions for the unborn child — or even a hint of concern on their part.

The New York Times

But as the Red Sox inch further and further ahead, a hint of concern is creeping in about whether the Yankees will be able to hold on to one of the two wild card slots.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A hint of worry crossed his face.

The Washington Post

"I listen for any hint of concern or confusion.

The New York Times - Books

Even food and beverage preferences betrayed a hint of economic concern: topping the edible list was the ever-comforting "ice cream," while boozehounds searched for "martini" to ease their pain.

Forbes

A hint of the concerns this has generated came from an American banker of Afghan origin, Nur Delawari, who left his home in Los Angeles earlier this year to work as an adviser to Afghanistan's Finance Ministry and ended up as principal adviser on the currency exchange.

The New York Times

What Songdo's characteristics can reveal is a hint of the concerns that will drive city builders in decades to come: particularly a closer attention to resource use and energy efficiency.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hint of concern" to subtly indicate someone's worry or apprehension without exaggerating their emotional state. This can add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a hint of concern" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of worry or fear. Choose more impactful phrases if the situation is serious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of concern" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a subtle feeling of worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hint of concern" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to subtly denote worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI validates its proper use in English writing. Appearing predominantly in news and media contexts, it offers a nuanced way to convey slight anxiety without being overly dramatic. Related phrases include "a touch of worry" and "a trace of anxiety". When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended level of worry and avoid overstating the actual concern. Remember to use stronger expressions if the situation warrants it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of worry

Slightly emphasizes the feeling of unease or anxiety more directly.

a shade of apprehension

Uses a more formal term for anxiety, suggesting a subtle but distinct feeling.

a trace of anxiety

Highlights the underlying feeling of anxiety, making it more explicit.

a glimmer of unease

Focuses on the feeling of being unsettled or disturbed.

a suspicion of worry

Implies that the concern is not fully formed or confirmed.

a suggestion of disquiet

Uses a more formal term for unease, implying a subtle disturbance.

a sign of perturbation

Emphasizes the disturbance or agitation caused by the concern.

a flicker of worry

Suggests a brief or momentary feeling of concern.

a wisp of anxiety

Implies that the feeling of anxiety is slight and fleeting.

a shadow of disquietude

Employs a more literary term for unease, indicating a subtle and lingering feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "a hint of concern" in a sentence?

You can use "a hint of concern" to subtly express worry. For instance, "I detected "a hint of concern" in her email after the announcement".

What are some alternatives to "a hint of concern"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a touch of worry", "a shade of apprehension", or "a trace of anxiety", each varying slightly in intensity.

Is it appropriate to use "a hint of concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "a hint of concern" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a nuanced way to express worry without being overly dramatic.

What's the difference between "a hint of concern" and "a great deal of concern"?

"A hint of concern" indicates a slight worry, while "a great deal of concern" implies a much stronger feeling of worry or apprehension. The former is subtle, the latter is significant.