a major worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing significant concerns or anxieties about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The rising cost of living has become a major worry for many families struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a major worry.

The Guardian

That is a major worry.

The New York Times

The weather is always a major worry.

The Guardian

The nuclear crisis, however, remains a major worry.

Independent

Then, a major worry, is there a television set?

Independent

That retirement is a major worry for many women.

The New York Times

Ellis's recent injury problems are also a major worry.

The Guardian - Sport

This was not supposed to be a major worry.

The New York Times - Magazine

In a transplant, a major worry is that the body will reject the new organ.

The New York Times

Whelan: "Rooney is a major worry, his form, his body language, his demeanour, everything".

The Guardian - Sport

It has become a major worry for Viacom, its parent company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major worry", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the worry. This helps to avoid ambiguity and provides the reader with a clear understanding of the concern.

Common error

While "a major worry" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a significant concern" or "a serious issue" to maintain reader engagement and add nuance to your expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major worry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies something as a significant source of concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major worry" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express significant concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it can be adapted for professional use. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms like "a significant concern" or "a serious issue" to avoid repetition. Understanding these nuances will allow for more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant concern

This alternative uses "significant" instead of "major", offering a slightly more formal tone.

a serious concern

This option replaces "major" with "serious", emphasizing the gravity of the worry.

a considerable concern

The word "considerable" highlights the substantial nature of the worry.

a primary concern

This variation emphasizes that the worry is one of the most important or pressing issues.

a key concern

Replacing "major" with "key" emphasizes that the worry is central or fundamental.

a grave concern

This alternative employs "grave" to convey a sense of deep and serious worry.

a pressing concern

This version indicates that the worry requires immediate attention or action.

a substantial concern

Using "substantial" highlights the significant impact or size of the worry.

a real cause for alarm

This phrase emphasizes the potential danger or negative consequences associated with the worry.

a source of great anxiety

This alternative highlights the emotional impact of the worry, emphasizing the stress and unease it causes.

FAQs

How can I use "a major worry" in a sentence?

You can use "a major worry" to express a significant concern about something. For example, "The increasing unemployment rate is "a major worry" for the government."

What can I say instead of "a major worry"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant concern", "a serious issue", or "a key concern" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "major concern" instead of "a major worry"?

Yes, "major concern" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. It conveys a similar meaning and can often be used interchangeably with ""a major worry"".

What's the difference between "a minor worry" and "a major worry"?

"A minor worry" indicates a small or insignificant concern, while ""a major worry"" suggests a substantial and significant problem that requires attention.