a lingering concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lingering concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a worry, doubt, or problem that is still present after a long period of time. For example: "The recent economic downturn has raised a lingering concern about job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

There was a lingering concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just how effective Box will be is a lingering concern.

The New York Times - Sports

"The whole credit issue is going to be a lingering concern," Mr. McCain said.

The New York Times

A lingering concern at Boies Schiller is planning for succession once Mr. Boies decides to retire.

The New York Times

"It was enough of a lingering concern that at the end they said, 'Screw it.

The New Yorker

The condition of the ankle is a lingering concern to the Giants and to Kiwanuka.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

This lovey-dovey image, courtesy of x17online, certainly debunks any lingering concerns that the two have hit a rough patch.

Huffington Post

"We're going to be releasing that to further put to rest any lingering concerns about what you saw yesterday," Brian Fallon, a Clinton spokesman, said on MSNBC.

Los Angeles Times

European shares took a pounding Monday as signs of slower growth compounded lingering concern about the Continent's sovereign debt crisis.

The New York Times

The only lingering concern was whether the price will remain a barrier for many young people and women with limited ability to pay.

The New York Times

It's not unusual for a first-year student to voice a few lingering concerns about roommates, the residence hall environment, classes, social life, and dining hall food.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lingering concern", ensure the context clearly indicates what the concern pertains to. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

While "a lingering concern" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler phrases like "still worried about" or "something I'm still thinking about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lingering concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI's examples show it often indicates a problem or worry that persists.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lingering concern" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a persistent worry or issue. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its use is most common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While appropriate for various settings, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in informal conversations where simpler alternatives might be more suitable. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of unease or worry that continues over time, and its strength lies in its ability to clearly and concisely highlight unresolved issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent worry

Replaces "concern" with "worry" and "lingering" with "persistent", emphasizing the worry's duration.

an ongoing anxiety

Substitutes "concern" with "anxiety" and "lingering" with "ongoing", highlighting the emotional aspect of the worry.

a remaining doubt

Replaces "concern" with "doubt" and "lingering" with "remaining", focusing on uncertainty.

a continuing apprehension

Swaps "concern" for "apprehension" and "lingering" with "continuing", emphasizing a feeling of unease about the future.

a constant preoccupation

Changes "concern" to "preoccupation" and "lingering" to "constant", stressing the dominant nature of the concern.

a sustained unease

Replaces "concern" with "unease" and "lingering" with "sustained", focusing on a feeling of discomfort that persists.

an unresolved problem

Shifts the focus to the "problem" itself rather than the feeling of concern, highlighting its lack of resolution.

a protracted issue

Replaces "concern" with "issue" and "lingering" with "protracted", underscoring the extended duration of the problem.

an enduring question

Substitutes "concern" with "question" and "lingering" with "enduring", emphasizing the long-lasting nature of the unanswered question.

a chronic worry

Replaces "lingering" with "chronic", suggesting a persistent and recurring worry.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lingering concern" to describe a worry or issue that continues to be present. For example, "Despite the positive economic news, "a lingering concern" is the rising cost of living."

What are some alternatives to "a lingering concern"?

Alternatives include "a persistent worry", "an ongoing anxiety", or "a remaining doubt" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lingering concern" formal or informal?

"Lingering concern" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's appropriate for news articles, business reports, and academic papers, but may sound overly formal in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "a lingering concern" and "a passing concern"?

"A lingering concern" suggests that the worry persists over time, whereas "a passing concern" implies a brief or temporary worry.