a primary worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main concern or issue in a particular context or situation. Example: "The rising cost of living has become a primary worry for many families struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That was a primary worry of Mr. McDonald in the weeks after the storm.

The New York Times

Income is a primary worry for those who have lost their jobs or land.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Power is the primary worry, since an abrupt network shutdown can destroy data, but problems can also stem from something as simple as not keeping a crisis plan updated.

The New York Times - Tech

Gov. Jeb Bush is running unopposed and so does not have to participate in a primary or worry about possible voter confusion, at least not until November.

The New York Times

Her primary worry is thinning hair, though this has not happened yet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Debt shouldn't be our primary worry; just where growth will come from for the mass of Britons must be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Romney's primary worry is that America will become "the France of the 21st century — still a great country, but no longer the world's leading nation".

The New York Times - Books

What that other 20percentt might amount to was my primary worry — plus what all the á la carte items might cost.

The New York Times

The primary worry is that the companies will not be able to recoup the $8 billion they have paid to power producers but -- for now, at least -- cannot collect from customers, because of a rate freeze in effect until March 2002.

The New York Times

"My primary worry," he told me without his characteristic levity, "is that I'm going to become the Al Gore of the right" — meaning, a forecaster of doom, appreciated and unheeded as the clever if somewhat lonely guy who told them so.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My primary worry is that there are so many people beyond the owners and players connected to the league," Reed said by telephone from his home in Grambling, La. "These people depend on it for their livelihood, and man, these are tough times for them not to have work".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary worry", ensure it's clear what or who is experiencing the worry. Provide context to clarify the subject and source of the concern.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary worry" when the concern is actually secondary or minor. Ensure the worry truly holds significant weight in the given situation; otherwise, consider a less emphatic phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary worry" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the most important or significant concern in a given context. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary worry" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote the most significant concern or anxiety in a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and suitable for various contexts, though it appears more frequently in news and scientific publications. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, synonyms such as "a major concern" or "a key concern" can provide similar emphasis. When using this phrase, clarity about the subject and source of the worry is crucial to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary apprehension

Synonymous, but could imply anxiety about future events

a major concern

Focuses on the significance of the worry, highlighting its importance.

a key concern

Emphasizes that the worry is essential or fundamental.

a central anxiety

Highlights the worry as being at the core of someone's anxieties.

the main preoccupation

Indicates that the worry dominates someone's thoughts.

foremost apprehension

Emphasizes that the worry is the most significant one.

chief source of anxiety

Highlights the worry as the main origin of anxious feelings.

topmost misgiving

Focuses on the worry as being the most prominent doubt or reservation.

overriding fear

Highlights the worry as a dominant and controlling fear.

principal reservation

Emphasizes the worry as the most important reservation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a primary worry" to describe the main concern in a given situation. For example, "The company's "a primary worry" is maintaining profitability during the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to saying "a primary worry"?

Some alternatives to "a primary worry" include "a major concern", "a key concern", or "the main preoccupation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a primary worry" instead of "a secondary worry"?

"A primary worry" should be used when describing the most significant concern, while "a secondary worry" is suitable for a less important or subordinate issue. The choice depends on the relative importance of the worry in the context.

Is "primary worry" more formal than "main worry"?

The phrase "primary worry" could be seen as slightly more formal than "main worry", although both are generally acceptable in professional and academic contexts. The best choice depends on the specific tone and audience.