a passing worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concern or anxiety that is temporary or fleeting, not something that lingers or has a lasting impact. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, I only felt a passing worry about the outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If this gel someday came to market, I predict many dudes would give it a pass, worried their hard drives would turn into floppy disks after a few sperm suppressor rubdowns (even though it's designed to not affect testosterone levels).

Huffington Post

"I wonder where you'd store it, though, the rest of the year," a passing shopper worried.

The Guardian - Business

My, like, fear is that it's an indication of something darker than just, like, a passing, like, fancy; I worry that it's like a superficial rash that speaks to the spreading infection within.

Huffington Post

I could jump on a passing bus without having to worry about whether I had exact change....[T]wo years after the introduction of MetroCards, they are used by less than eight percent of the transit system's riders.

The New Yorker

That the Democrats might actually get a health care reform bill passed worries Republicans, who believe, as did their party colleagues in 1994, that passing no health care bill will ensure a major Republican victory in the mid-term elections.

Huffington Post

This news, while not surprising to anyone with a passing interest in technology, is worrying.

TechCrunch

He didn't expect to find evidence of it in the low-level intercepts he was "working". Then, in 1968, in uncoded "plain text," he saw a transcription of a casual radio conversation between guards worried that a passing F-4 might have photographed a camp for Americans near Cu Loi, northeast of Hanoi.

Los Angeles Times

We spent all day - as every hour passed - worried that he would be arrested and charged under a terrorism statute.

The Guardian - Opinion

The police blocked the road and refused to let the marchers pass, worried that the crowd would burn down government buildings, as previous crowds had.

The New York Times

Don't worry," says a passer-by overhearing the conversation.

The Guardian

3) Drew Brees (NO) – A pass-friendly schedule should offset any worries that the Saints' offense will struggle without Coach Sean Payton.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing worry" when you want to convey that a concern is not significant or long-lasting. It's suitable for describing a minor, fleeting unease.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing worry" when the concern is, in fact, significant or has lasting consequences. This phrase downplays the importance of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing worry" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the type of worry experienced, characterizing it as temporary or not significant. Ludwig AI indicates this is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing worry" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a temporary or insignificant concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in English writing and while its occurence is limited, it is used in various contexts, typically with a neutral register. When you want to indicate that a worry is not serious or long-lasting, "a passing worry" is appropriate; however, avoid using it if the concern has significant implications. Alternatives like "a fleeting concern" or "a momentary anxiety" can provide a similar meaning while being slightly more formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting concern

Emphasizes the brief duration of the concern, similar to "a passing worry" but perhaps slightly more formal.

a momentary anxiety

Highlights the transient nature of the anxiety, focusing on the emotional aspect more than the worry itself.

a brief apprehension

Suggests a slight fear or unease that is short-lived. More formal than "a passing worry".

a temporary concern

Directly indicates the non-permanent nature of the concern, using more straightforward language.

a short-lived worry

Emphasizes the limited duration of the worry, using a more descriptive adjective.

a quick concern

Highlights the speed with which the concern arises and dissipates.

a transient anxiety

Uses a more technical term ('transient') to describe the fleeting nature of the anxiety. More formal.

a negligible concern

Focuses on the low importance or impact of the concern, implying it's not worth serious attention.

a superficial worry

Suggests the worry is not deeply felt or seriously considered; it remains on the surface.

a trivial concern

Indicates the worry is minor and unimportant, often implying it's not worth dwelling on.

FAQs

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

You can use "a passing worry" to describe a concern that is temporary or not significant. For example: "Despite the challenges, I felt only "a passing worry" about the project's success."

What's a more formal alternative to "a passing worry"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a fleeting concern" or "a momentary anxiety". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while sounding more sophisticated.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a passing worry"?

Avoid using "a passing worry" if the concern is serious, long-lasting, or has significant implications. In such cases, a more substantial phrase would be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a passing worry" and "a deep concern"?

"A passing worry" describes a minor, temporary concern, while "a deep concern" indicates a significant and prolonged worry. The choice depends on the gravity and duration of the concern you wish to convey.