a note of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a note of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of worry or apprehension about a particular issue or situation. Example: "I wanted to send you a note of concern regarding the recent changes in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"It's really a note of concern for rapid therapeutic development of RNAi".

The New York Times - Science

In quieter moments, Smiley often strikes a note of concern about whether, after the campaign, Obama's "soul will be intact".

The New Yorker

When I learned of the attack on Twitter, I posted a note of concern for those who were targeted.

The Guardian

If there was a note of concern, it was that the pair of developments might be too much, too fast.

The Washington Post

Gaynor Davies-Howell, our teacher for two days, asks the question with a note of concern in her voice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But if Mr. Skudin voiced a note of concern, James Hennessy, the president of the City Council, expressed nothing but anticipation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For example, if your intended career requires you to speak in public and this is a fear, make a note of this concern.

WikiHow

For me, it's really just a note of personal concern.

The Guardian

Sitting down at a meeting this winter in San Francisco, just moments after an all-night flight from Gütersloh, Middelhoff passed a note of mock concern to a colleague: "You look tired".

The New York Times - Magazine

"A note of caution concerning biosafety measures" is suggested, Dr. Gallo and his colleagues wrote.

The New York Times

Finally, a detailed comparison between the sequences generated by the heuristic and exact optimisation algorithms, commends a note of caution concerning the efficiency of heuristic procedures in exploring sequence space.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a note of concern" to introduce a specific worry or apprehension, particularly when transitioning to a more detailed explanation. This framing prepares the audience for the issue you're about to discuss.

Common error

Avoid using "a note of concern" as a substitute for directly addressing the problem. Expressing concern is a starting point, not the solution. Follow up with actionable steps or suggestions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a note of concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically introducing or highlighting an issue causing worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, demonstrating its role in setting the tone for subsequent discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a note of concern" is a phrase used to express worry or apprehension, often introducing a topic that requires attention. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. Related phrases include "expression of concern" and "statement of apprehension", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to use the phrase as a starting point, not a replacement for concrete action. Its function is to alert and prepare the audience for a discussion of potential issues. Keep in mind that the absence of usage in Encyclopedias, Wiki, and Reference contexts is due to the focus of the phrase towards being more expressive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Expression of concern

Replaces "note" with "expression", focusing on the act of conveying worry rather than the specific message.

Statement of apprehension

Substitutes "note" with "statement" and "concern" with "apprehension", emphasizing a formal declaration of worry.

Sign of worry

Replaces "note of concern" with "sign of worry", implying a more visible manifestation of concern.

Indication of unease

Uses "indication" instead of "note", suggesting a subtle signal of discomfort or anxiety.

Voice apprehension

Focuses on verbally expressing concern, substituting "a note of concern" with a verb phrase.

Express anxiety

A more direct way of conveying concern, omitting the word "note" for brevity.

Raise alarm

Implies a stronger sense of urgency and potential danger, differing from simple concern.

Express reservations

Focuses on expressing doubts or hesitations, which is a specific type of concern.

Signal misgivings

Indicates feelings of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

Show solicitude

Emphasizes care and protectiveness, which is a broader emotion than just concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "a note of concern" to introduce a topic that causes worry. For example: "The report began with "a note of concern" about rising inflation rates."

What's a formal alternative to "a note of concern"?

A more formal alternative is "an expression of apprehension". For example: "The diplomat issued "an expression of apprehension" regarding the escalating tensions."

How does "a note of concern" differ from "a warning"?

"A note of concern" expresses worry, while "a warning" ("a warning") conveys potential danger or negative consequences. The former is milder and often precedes the latter.

Can "a note of concern" be used in positive contexts?

While primarily used for negative situations, "a note of concern" can also introduce potential challenges that need proactive solutions, framing them as areas needing attention rather than inherent problems.