a real concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or problem that is genuinely troubling or significant. Example: "The rising levels of pollution in our city are a real concern for public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a real concern".

The New York Times

"It's a real concern...

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There's a real concern there.

The Guardian

Terrorism is a real concern.

The New York Times

Cannibalization is a real concern.

Harvard Business Review

It is a real concern".

The New York Times

"But that's a real concern.

The New York Times

"It is a real concern," Mr. Hildick-Smith said.

The New York Times

OK, I guess that's a real concern.

The New York Times

It was a real concern, she said.

The Guardian

It was a real concern then".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a real concern", ensure that the context clearly explains what the concern is and why it matters. Providing specific details helps to strengthen your argument and demonstrate the importance of the issue.

Common error

While "a real concern" is effective, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "a serious worry" or "a significant issue" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as genuinely worrying or important. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real concern" is a versatile phrase used to express genuine worry or importance. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, science and business. To enhance your writing, vary your language and provide clear context when using this phrase. Alternatives include "a serious worry" or "a significant issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure clarity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine problem

Replaces "concern" with "problem", focusing on the tangible issue.

a serious worry

Substitutes "concern" with "worry", emphasizing the emotional aspect of the issue.

a significant issue

Uses "issue" instead of "concern", highlighting the importance or magnitude of the matter.

a pressing matter

Emphasizes the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a grave consideration

Adds a more formal and serious tone, suitable for professional contexts.

a major difficulty

Highlights the challenging nature of the issue.

a troubling aspect

Focuses on the disturbing or unsettling nature of the concern.

a critical challenge

Emphasizes the importance of overcoming the problem.

a key consideration

Highlights the importance of the aspect that need to be considered.

a valid apprehension

Highlights the legitimacy of the concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real concern" to express worry or importance about a specific issue. For example, "Climate change is "a real concern" for many scientists".

What are some alternatives to "a real concern"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a serious worry", "a significant issue", or "a genuine problem".

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

Yes, "a real concern" is suitable for formal writing, as it clearly and directly communicates the importance of an issue. However, ensure the context is equally formal and professional.

What makes something qualify as "a real concern"?

For something to be considered "a real concern", it should present a significant challenge or potential negative impact that warrants attention and action. It should be more than just a minor inconvenience.