a matter for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter for concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or situations that raise worry or require attention. Example: "The recent increase in pollution levels is a matter for concern among environmentalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It's a matter for concern for many families.

The Guardian

If not, that is a matter for concern.

The Guardian

Inflation is not wholly defeated, the current-account deficit is large and Turkey's competitiveness in manufacturing is a matter for concern.

The Economist

People who are not experts in the psychology of expertise are likely (I predict) to find Tetlock's results a surprise and a matter for concern.

The New Yorker

What is a matter for concern, though, is what their move implies about the potential within our law for a shadow system of family justice to develop.

The Guardian

But the headlong expansion of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which by May this year controlled almost $1.5 trillion of assets (not far short of the $2 trillion in hedge funds), has become a matter for concern among financial regulators.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

He added: "I think this is a matter for real concern".

Independent

The artist Peter Blake agrees that authenticity is a matter for growing concern among those interested in Outsider art.

Independent

She was taken off the health professions council register for 18 months after the chairman of the hearing described her actions as "a matter for grave concern".

The Guardian

Why is a stalemate among MPs a matter for such concern, yet the extinction of mining communities passed over in silence?

The Guardian - Opinion

Why is a stalemate among 650 MPs a matter for such concern, yet the slow, grinding extinction of mining communities and light-industrial suburbs passed over in silence?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use it to introduce a discussion on potential negative outcomes.

Common error

While "a matter for concern" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it repetitively. Vary your language with synonyms like "a point of concern" or "a reason for worry" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter for concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies something that should be considered worrisome or problematic. As highlighted by Ludwig, its grammatical structure is correct and fit for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter for concern" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to highlight situations that warrant attention or worry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is appropriate across diverse contexts, especially in news, scientific, and formal communications. While its usage is widespread, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "point of concern" or "cause for alarm" can improve writing quality. The phrase serves to signal potential risks or negative outcomes, urging further consideration and action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Point of concern

Emphasizes a specific issue or aspect that requires attention.

Area of worry

Highlights the area that causes worry.

Reason for worry

Focuses directly on the feeling of worry associated with the situation.

Grounds for unease

Highlights the underlying reasons for discomfort or anxiety.

Cause for alarm

Indicates a higher degree of urgency and potential danger.

Troubling situation

Suggests a situation that is problematic and causes distress.

Source of apprehension

Identifies the origin or cause of fear or anxiety.

Worrisome development

Focuses on an event or change that is causing concern.

Serious issue

Emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

Significant problem

Underlines the importance of the situation as a problem.

FAQs

What does "a matter for concern" mean?

The phrase "a matter for concern" indicates something is worrying or requires attention. It suggests a situation or issue that could potentially lead to negative consequences.

How can I use "a matter for concern" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter for concern" to introduce a topic that needs attention. For instance, "The rising cost of healthcare is "a matter for concern" for many families."

What can I say instead of "a matter for concern"?

You can use alternatives like "point of concern", "reason for worry", or "cause for alarm" depending on the specific context and level of urgency.

Is "a matter of concern" the same as "a cause for concern"?

While similar, "a matter of concern" generally highlights something that warrants attention, whereas "a cause for concern" implies that something is already creating worry or anxiety. They are often interchangeable but have subtle differences in emphasis.