a private concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a private concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or issue that is personal and not meant to be shared publicly. Example: "The decision to move to another city is a private concern that I need to discuss with my family first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

What's more, the Tenaha case wasn't against a private concern.

The New Yorker

Why she did so is a private concern.

The New York Times

Among its recommendations was that the involvement of a private concern like Edison was warranted.

The New York Times

"Let welfare be a private concern".—"The Conscience of a Conservative," 1961.

The New York Times

It is expected to continue as a private concern that could distribute and market the animation films.

The New York Times

Lesotho, a tiny mountain kingdom completely encircled by South Africa, co-owned the gem with a private concern, Gem Diamonds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In order to protect a private business concern.

The Guardian

He also rejected suggestions that faith should be seen as a purely private concern.

The Guardian

Infuriated, he sold his stake back to his partners for $750,000, he said, and opened Game Time Communications, a similar private concern in Los Angeles; he says it is doing well.

The New York Times

But the Lib Dems' Caroline Pidgeon says it should either be run as a wholly private concern or else properly integrated into the public transport network, with prices lowered accordingly.

The Guardian

Till such time Fabindia was a closely held company, a bad year was a matter of private concern.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a private concern", ensure the context clearly indicates why the matter is not for public discussion. For example, "Her reasons for leaving were a private concern, and she declined to discuss them further."

Common error

Avoid using "a private concern" excessively in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound evasive. Opt for more direct language when possible, such as "confidential matter" or "personal issue", especially in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a private concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig's examples show that it commonly acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition, designating something considered personal or confidential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a private concern" is a noun phrase used to describe something considered personal or confidential. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While it's generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of potential evasiveness in formal settings and choose more direct alternatives when appropriate. Consider using alternatives like "personal matter" or "confidential issue" to fine-tune your message and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal matter

Focuses on the individual nature of the concern.

private matter

Emphasizes the confidentiality and individuality of the issue.

confidential issue

Emphasizes the secrecy and sensitivity of the matter.

private affair

Highlights that the issue is of a personal nature and not for public consumption.

personal business

Indicates that the concern is related to someone's individual affairs or responsibilities.

sensitive subject

Suggests the topic needs to be handled with care and discretion.

internal affair

Highlights that the concern is within a specific group or organization.

privileged information

Indicates that the information is restricted and not meant to be shared.

private secret

This phrase is more emphatic about the privacy of the secret.

family secret

Implies that the concern is hidden within a family.

FAQs

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

You can use "a private concern" to indicate that something is personal and not meant for public discussion. For instance, "His financial difficulties are "a private concern" that he prefers not to share."

What's a good alternative to "a private concern"?

Alternatives include "personal matter", "confidential issue", or "private affair", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a private concern" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "a private concern" in formal writing may sometimes sound evasive. Consider using more direct alternatives like "confidential matter" or "sensitive issue" for clarity.

What's the difference between "a private concern" and "a personal matter"?

"A private concern" emphasizes the confidentiality and perhaps the sensitivity of the issue, while "a personal matter" simply highlights that it is related to an individual's private life. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.