a matter of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of concern" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something is a cause for worry or anxiety. For example, "The rising number of COVID-19 cases is a matter of concern in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is a matter of concern".

The New York Times

"For us, that's a matter of concern.

Independent

This was becoming a matter of concern.

The New York Times - Arts

Should that be a matter of concern?

The New Yorker

"That has to be a matter of concern".

The New York Times

"It's not a matter of concern for public health".

The New York Times - Health

They already see the trend as a matter of concern.

The New York Times

The accommodations had been a matter of concern.

The New York Times - Travel

That was a matter of concern for some Democrats today.

The New York Times

Only 2percentt reported finances were a matter of concern.

The New York Times

Chemical weapons are not just a matter of concern in Syria; they are a matter of concern for the whole world, since the world has banned their use.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of concern", ensure the context clearly explains why it is concerning. Provide specific details to support your statement and avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of concern" as a filler phrase. Always ensure you're providing specific reasons for the concern, rather than simply stating it as a general observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of concern" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or a predicate nominative, identifying something as a cause for worry or attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, exemplified by various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of concern" is a frequently used phrase that indicates worry, anxiety, or the importance of a particular issue. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, most notably in science and news media. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific details to justify the concern, and avoid overuse without proper context. Semantically related phrases include "a cause for worry" and "worthy of attention". Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for a wide range of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause for worry

Focuses specifically on the aspect of worry or anxiety that something provokes.

a reason for anxiety

Highlights the element of anxiety or unease associated with a particular situation.

a source of apprehension

Emphasizes the feeling of unease or fear about something that might happen.

a point of worry

Pinpoints a specific element that is causing concern.

an area of unease

Refers to a particular aspect or field where discomfort or anxiety is present.

of considerable importance

Shifts the focus from worry to the significant value or consequence of something.

something to be worried about

Directly states that something warrants concern or anxiety.

worthy of attention

Highlights that something merits focus and consideration due to its importance or potential problems.

deserving of scrutiny

Suggests a need for careful and critical examination due to potential issues or risks.

a pressing issue

Indicates that something requires immediate attention and action because it is urgent or critical.

FAQs

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

Use "a matter of concern" to indicate something that causes worry or requires attention. For example, "The increasing pollution levels are "a matter of concern" for environmentalists."

What are some alternatives to saying "a matter of concern"?

You can use alternatives such as "a cause for worry", "a reason for anxiety", or "worthy of attention depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "a matter of concern" or "a cause for concern"?

Both phrases are acceptable and have similar meanings. "A matter of concern" is slightly more formal, while "a cause for concern" might be more common in everyday conversation.

Can "a matter of concern" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""a matter of concern"" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or important issues in reports, articles, or professional communications.