a legitimate concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"a legitimate concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a valid point or worry that somebody might have about a certain situation. For example, "The potential long-term environmental impacts of the project are a legitimate concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Obviously they are concerned about capital spending, which is a legitimate concern.

The New York Times

It's a legitimate concern.

The New York Times

She's got a legitimate concern.

Independent

That last is a legitimate concern.

The New York Times

That is a legitimate concern.

The New York Times

This is a legitimate concern.

The New Yorker

Reproductive cloning is a legitimate concern.

The New York Times

This is a legitimate concern for homeowners.

The Guardian - Opinion

The report expressed a legitimate concern.

The New Yorker

That may be a legitimate concern.

The New York Times

"That's a legitimate concern for the local and state economy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a legitimate concern" with strong verbs to create a more impactful statement. For example, instead of saying "X is a legitimate concern", try "X raises a legitimate concern" or "X warrants legitimate concern".

Common error

Avoid using "a legitimate concern" as a vague statement without explaining the specifics of the concern. Always follow up with details that clarify the issue and demonstrate its validity. For example, don't just say "environmental impact is a legitimate concern"; instead, specify "the potential water contamination from the new factory is a legitimate concern".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies something as a valid or justifiable worry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a legitimate concern" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to express that a worry or issue is valid and warrants attention. As Ludwig AI has indicated, it is a correct and useful expression in English. It appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide specific details to substantiate the legitimacy of the concern, thereby enhancing the clarity and impact of your communication. This phrase is considered neutral in register and can be incorporated into various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid worry

Focuses on the validity of the worry itself, rather than the legitimacy of expressing it.

a reasonable apprehension

Emphasizes the rationality and justification behind the feeling of unease.

a justifiable worry

Highlights the defensibility and appropriateness of the concern.

a well-founded fear

Suggests the concern is based on solid evidence or reason.

a warranted anxiety

Implies the anxiety is justified and not excessive.

a genuine preoccupation

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the concern.

a proper misgiving

Indicates that the concern is appropriate and fitting for the situation.

a real source of anxiety

Focuses on the anxiety that the concern creates, rather than its validity.

a substantial reservation

Highlights the significance and weight of the concern.

a well-grounded apprehension

Indicates a firm and reasonable basis for unease.

FAQs

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

You can use "a legitimate concern" to introduce a valid worry or issue. For example: "Data privacy is "a legitimate concern" for many users of social media."

What are some alternative phrases to "a legitimate concern"?

Alternatives include "a valid worry", "a reasonable apprehension", or "a justifiable worry", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a legitimate concern"?

It is appropriate to use "a legitimate concern" when you want to acknowledge and highlight a valid and reasonable worry or issue that deserves attention and consideration.

What's the difference between "a legitimate concern" and "a potential problem"?

"A potential problem" refers to something that might cause issues in the future, while ""a legitimate concern"" indicates a valid worry or issue that already exists or has a strong basis.