a key concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key concern" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used to express something that is of primary importance or worry. Example: In the article, the author addresses a key concern among millennials: the lack of affordable housing in urban areas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A key concern was cost.

The New York Times

Money is always a key concern.

The Guardian

For Emily, care for her dog was a key concern.

Independent

The future of the NHS under TTIP has become a key concern among the unions.

The Guardian - Business

Privacy and our use of user data was, of course, a key concern.

The Guardian

Achieving this trust and confidence is therefore a key concern for NHS leaders.

The Guardian

The lack of appropriate procurement skills across the civil service is also a key concern.

The Guardian

A key concern is Iranian incitement of Shia populations in the Gulf region.

The Guardian

Negotiating terms and conditions has become more of a key concern".

The Guardian - Business

Both Cox and Winfield said immigration is a key concern for Black Country voters.

The Guardian - Business

But how to make all spaces more representative was a key concern.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key concern" when you want to highlight something as a primary worry or consideration in a situation.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a key concern" in highly formal documents. Opt for more nuanced language like "a principal consideration" or "a primary focus" for variety and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key concern" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something of significant importance or worry. It commonly appears as a subject complement or within prepositional phrases, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key concern" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for emphasizing a primary worry or important consideration. Ludwig AI analysis of real-world examples shows its common usage across news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While appropriate in many settings, consider the nuance of related phrases to ensure the best fit for your writing. While highly versatile, avoid overuse and try to use alternatives for enhanced writing quality. Be conscious that, when you use "a key concern", you are underlining a topic to which you want the reader to pay additional attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A major worry

Replaces "concern" with "worry", emphasizing anxiety.

A primary focus

Shifts from worry to the central point of attention.

A central issue

Highlights the importance of the matter at hand.

A principal consideration

More formal; emphasizes careful thought and evaluation.

An overriding preoccupation

Highlights that the worry is constant and dominating.

A significant anxiety

Emphasizes the level of unease and apprehension.

A top priority

Focuses on ranking the concern in terms of importance.

A critical point

Highlights the importance of the concern for making a decision.

A pressing matter

Highlights the need for immediate action to resolve the concern.

A salient point

Emphasizes how noticeably important the concern is.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key concern" to highlight a primary worry or consideration. For example, "A key concern is the environmental impact of the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "a key concern"?

You can use alternatives like "a major worry", "a primary focus", or "a central issue" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a key concern" in academic writing?

Yes, "a key concern" is appropriate for academic writing when highlighting significant considerations or potential problems within your research area.

What's the difference between "a key concern" and "a major issue"?

While both phrases highlight importance, "a key concern" often implies a worry or anxiety, while "a major issue" simply identifies a significant problem or topic.