a matter of worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that causes concern or anxiety. Example: "The rising pollution levels in the city are a matter of worry for many residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He added: "If they are used to simply hover to gain random information then that would obviously be a matter of worry and a civil liberty issue".

Independent

With this in mind, it should be a matter of worry that in Britain today our school system still allows cultural isolation of children.

The Guardian

And that is a matter of worry to Democratic leaders as they contemplate what had already loomed as a difficult-enough contest against Gov. George E. Pataki, a Republican seeking a third term.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's no longer just a matter of worrying about dropping needles all over the carpet, but of having to think about global issues like deforestation and greenhouse gasses when making your annual tree purchase.

BBC

But the precise language remains a matter of concern, leading some experts to worry that the deal could help overseas companies challenge American exemptions, like the fair use doctrine, before a tribunal.

HuffPost

The increasing rate of CDI episodes in Italian hospitals over the last six years represents a matter of concern for our country; the emergence of hypervirulent C. difficile strains, already circulating in Italy [ 21], is a cause of further worry.

BMC Infectious Diseases

These worries, and their ramifications for the national legacy, became a matter of government concern when Congress passed the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000.

The New York Times

It's a matter of whose feelings you worry about when you choose words or emphasis; how sensitive you are to the burdens that others unlike you carry; who you see as a responsible actor, and who you view as being provoked by the other side; whose goals you find worthy and whose you think destructive.

University of California, Berkeley

He said that decisions regarding marriage and childbearing for people with genetic problems should be a matter of individual choice, and worried that the law's vague and contradictory language might lead doctors to conclude otherwise.

The New York Times

With the increasingly wide spread of high speed mobile devices like the iPhone it seems only a matter of time before users stop worrying about syncing and transferring music and simply stream it from a central server.

TechCrunch

However, the hottest plugin of this year is about to change that and remove one worry in a matter of seconds.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of worry", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the concern to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The situation is a matter of worry", specify "The increasing unemployment rate is a matter of worry for many families".

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of worry" when the situation is only slightly concerning. Opt for milder expressions like "a minor concern" or "something to consider" if the issue isn't significantly alarming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of worry" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as a source of concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, with examples showcasing its role in expressing worry about various issues.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of worry" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that causes concern or anxiety. While Ludwig AI identifies it as usable, it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the source of worry and consider alternatives like "a cause for concern" or "a source of anxiety" depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of overstating the level of concern and opt for milder expressions when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause for concern

Emphasizes the reason behind the worry, focusing on the source of the concern.

a source of anxiety

Highlights the emotional impact, focusing on the anxiety generated by the issue.

a reason for concern

Similar to "a cause for concern" but slightly less formal.

a point of concern

Focuses on a specific aspect that is causing worry.

a subject of concern

Indicates the topic or issue that is causing worry.

a cause for alarm

Implies a higher level of urgency and potential danger than "a matter of worry".

a worrying issue

A more direct and concise way to express concern.

a troubling matter

Emphasizes the problematic or difficult nature of the situation.

a grave concern

Indicates a serious and significant level of worry.

a serious concern

Similar to "a grave concern" but slightly less intense.

FAQs

What does "a matter of worry" mean?

The phrase "a matter of worry" indicates something that causes concern or anxiety. It suggests that a particular situation or issue is troubling and warrants attention.

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

You can use alternatives like "a cause for concern", "a source of anxiety", or "a reason for concern" depending on the context.

Is "a matter of worry" formal or informal?

"A matter of worry" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, phrases like "a grave concern" or "a serious concern" might be more appropriate if the situation is severe.

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

You can use it by stating what exactly is causing worry. For example, "The lack of funding for education is a matter of worry for many parents".