a leading concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leading concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a primary issue or topic of importance in a particular context, such as business, health, or social matters. Example: "In today's meeting, we will address a leading concern regarding employee well-being and mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In September, the government restored billions of dollars in funding to the national health system, a leading concern of Canadians.

The New York Times

Photoaging is a leading concern for patients and many of these patients will express a desire to utilize natural ingredients as treatment.

Stanford University

A leading concern was said to be a requirement that the merged company would open its cable television systems to other companies that want to offer high-speed Internet services.

The New York Times

A leading concern among local residents is that the Bin Laden Group has earmarked large slum areas for demolition and they fear they may not receive proper compensation or a new place to live.

The Guardian

"By making young people become more work-ready through pre-employment training and internships, the Youth Jobs PaTH initiative targets a leading concern of business around employability and backs these measures with accelerated and simpler wage subsidies," he said.

The Guardian

By entering the tech market, they have all but eliminated talk in Silicon Valley about an investment bubble — a leading concern a couple of years ago — because the money now seems almost limitless.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Kathryn S. Wylde, the chief executive of the Partnership for New York City, a leading business trade group, expressed concern, saying that "raising taxes on the people who contribute most to the state's economy and revenues is not the right message to send to businesses looking to grow and invest in New York".

The New York Times

7. (S) Vulnerability to maritime threats is a second leading concern.

The Guardian

In Western Europe and Latin America, the leading concern is populism.

The Washington Post

Global competitive threats are the leading concern for companies in the industrials and materials sectors, and in Western Europe.

Harvard University

Paralogy is the leading concern when using nuclear genes, especially members of multigene families.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a leading concern", ensure the context clearly establishes what the concern is and why it is considered leading.

Common error

Avoid using "a leading concern" when the issue is minor or only relevant to a small group. Use more appropriate language for less critical matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading concern" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a primary problem or issue. As Ludwig AI states, it's a way of designating a topic of major importance within a given context. Examples show it being used to describe various issues, from health concerns to business challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a leading concern" is a versatile phrase used to spotlight issues of primary importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. It sees common use in news, scientific, and formal business communication. When writing with this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the concern and its significance. Consider similar phrases like "a primary concern" or "a major concern" for subtle variations in emphasis. Avoid overstating an issue's importance by using this phrase only when it accurately reflects the scale and impact of the concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary concern

Emphasizes the issue's status as first in order of importance.

a major concern

Highlights the significance or magnitude of the concern.

a top concern

Suggests that the concern is among the most important.

a key concern

Indicates the concern is essential or fundamental.

a principal concern

Implies that the concern is of the highest importance or rank.

a foremost concern

Highlights that the concern comes before all others.

a central concern

Indicates the concern is at the heart of the matter.

a critical issue

Emphasizes the urgency or importance of addressing the concern.

a significant worry

Highlights the potentially negative impact of the concern.

an overriding preoccupation

Suggests the concern dominates thoughts and actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a leading concern" to highlight an issue of primary importance, such as, "Employee retention is "a leading concern" for the company this year."

What are some alternatives to "a leading concern"?

Alternatives include "a primary concern", "a major concern", or "a top concern", each conveying a similar sense of importance.

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

Yes, "a leading concern" is suitable for formal writing across various contexts including business, academic, and news reporting. Its formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "a leading concern" and "a minor issue"?

"A leading concern" emphasizes significant importance, while "a minor issue" indicates something less critical or consequential. The choice depends on accurately representing the issue's weight.