a persistent concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persistent concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or worry that continues to exist over time. Example: "Climate change remains a persistent concern for scientists and policymakers alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Underemployment is a persistent concern among industrial workers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The United States trade deficit has been a persistent concern for years, of course.

The New York Times

The experience of such systems worldwide simply doesn't support that hypothesis, yet it remains a persistent concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mental health problems are a persistent concern – particularly widespread are incidences of depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder.

The Guardian

Stadium construction was also a persistent concern in the lead-up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The New York Times

But it remains a persistent concern in a seat that both major parties regard as a must-win if they are to take government.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Although medical tourism was not found to be an exceptionally persistent concern for Colleges in Canada at the moment, participants recognized the potential for increasingly complicated scenarios to emerge as it becomes more commonplace.

BMC Medical Ethics

What may be unique to this country is a pervasive and persistent concern that transcends the safety data for this vaccine.

BMC Infectious Diseases

HOUSTON — Crude oil closed above $100 a barrel for the first time Tuesday, vaulting through a longstanding psychological barrier amid persistent concern about whether production can keep up with rising global demand.

The New York Times

Team instructional meeting summaries captured the persistent concern that a potential cumulative effect of the ever-decreasing use during the term had resulted in fewer students using the ARS remote over time and thus hampered the ability for students to compare with classmates.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

These stories speak to a persistent human concern: Our lives as we know them are temporary, subjected to merciless change.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a persistent concern", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the concern pertains to. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid repeating the phrase "a persistent concern" multiple times within a short span of text. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a persistent concern" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that is a continuous source of worry or attention. Ludwig confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a persistent concern" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe an ongoing issue or worry. Ludwig AI indicates its suitability for various contexts. As the analysis reveals, this phrase serves to emphasize the continuous nature of a problem, making it a useful tool for highlighting issues that demand sustained attention. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources, showcasing its versatility across different levels of formality. When incorporating "a persistent concern" into your writing, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of the concern and avoid overuse in close proximity to maintain reader engagement. Alternatives such as "a lasting concern" or "an ongoing problem" can provide variety while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A lasting concern

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the concern; focuses on its continuation over a significant period.

A recurring worry

Highlights the repetitive nature of the worry, suggesting it comes up frequently.

An ongoing problem

Focuses on the continuous nature of the problem, without necessarily highlighting the emotional aspect of concern.

A constant source of anxiety

Emphasizes the anxiety-inducing aspect of the concern, presenting it as a continuous cause of worry.

A continuous challenge

Highlights the difficulty and effort required to address the concern, framing it as an ongoing obstacle.

A chronic issue

Implies the issue is long-lasting and possibly difficult to resolve, similar to a chronic health condition.

A nagging worry

Suggests the worry is bothersome and difficult to dismiss, often occupying one's thoughts.

An enduring preoccupation

Highlights the persistent and dominating presence of the concern in one's thoughts or actions.

A perennial problem

Indicates the problem recurs regularly, often cyclically, and has been present for a long time.

A standing issue

Suggests the issue remains unresolved and is always present, requiring attention or action.

FAQs

How can I use "a persistent concern" in a sentence?

You can use "a persistent concern" to describe a recurring worry or issue. For example: "Underemployment is "a persistent concern" among industrial workers."

What are some alternatives to "a persistent concern"?

Alternatives include "a lasting concern", "a recurring worry", or "an ongoing problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "a persistent concern"?

Something becomes "a persistent concern" when it is a worry or issue that continues to be present or recurring over time. It indicates a problem that doesn't easily resolve or goes away.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a persistent concern"?

Yes, describing something as "a persistent concern" typically carries a negative connotation, as it implies a problematic or worrying situation that continues to exist. However, it is important to be neutral when stating that something is "a persistent concern".