a reason for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reason for concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or issue that raises worry or anxiety. Example: "The recent increase in pollution levels is a reason for concern among environmentalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Palestinians also have a reason for concern, because a nuclear strike against Israel would devastate them as well.

The New York Times

Given the extent to which she is known, this could be a reason for concern among her supporters.

The New York Times

For any other loud rock band, the addition of the accordion might be a reason for concern.

The New Yorker

But Sabathia's night gave the Yankees a reason for concern: it is almost impossible to imagine them reaching the postseason without him pitching well.

The New York Times - Sports

Another way of addressing the question is to ask: when Nigel Farage said living next door to Romanians would be a reason for "concern", was it racist?

Independent

Ghostwritten articles had been raised as a reason for concern about the proposal even before Wednesday's article appeared in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

A new strain that can spread among seals is a reason for serious concern, Dr. Anthony said.

The New York Times - Science

Delany said the case was a reason for continuing concern about the N.C.A.A.'s ability to manage the recruiting process.

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise there would be a clear indication for a reason for environmental concern, which would call for appropriate risk management strategies.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The interpretation of the THQ value is binary: THQ is either ≥ 1 or < 1, where THQ > 1 indicates a reason for health concern [20].

Chemistry Central Journal

Sexual offending behavior of juveniles is often a reason for public concern.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reason for concern", ensure the context clearly explains what is causing the concern. Be specific about the potential negative consequences or risks associated with the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a reason for concern" when the issue is minor or insignificant. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when addressing genuinely serious issues. Instead, consider more neutral language or reserve this for situations that warrant significant attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reason for concern" functions as a noun phrase identifying something that causes worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across varied contexts, highlighting its role in flagging potential problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reason for concern" is a common and grammatically correct way to express worry or apprehension about a situation. Ludwig AI indicates that it appears frequently in news, science and business contexts, signaling potential problems requiring attention. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for issues that genuinely warrant concern to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "cause for alarm" or "matter of anxiety" can be used to convey different nuances of concern. Using this phrase accurately enhances clarity and underscores the importance of addressing the issues at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point of worry

This is a simpler alternative, focusing on the specific aspect that causes concern.

cause for alarm

This phrase intensifies the level of worry, suggesting a more urgent and serious concern.

matter of anxiety

This alternative emphasizes the emotional aspect of the concern, highlighting the stress or worry it causes.

basis for anxiety

Similar to "grounds for unease", this emphasizes the foundation or reason for feeling anxious.

source of apprehension

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the anticipation of potential problems or negative outcomes.

warrant for concern

This suggests that there is sufficient reason or justification to be concerned.

cause for disquiet

A more formal alternative, indicating a feeling of unease or disturbance.

grounds for unease

This alternative highlights the justification or basis for feeling unsettled or worried.

justification for worry

This highlights the rationale behind the feeling of concern, focusing on the evidence or reasons.

excuse for worry

This alternative implies that the reason for concern might be seen as a justification for feeling worried.

FAQs

How can I use "a reason for concern" in a sentence?

Use "a reason for concern" to introduce a situation or development that causes worry or unease. For instance, "The declining test scores are "a reason for concern" among parents."

What are some alternatives to "a reason for concern"?

You can use alternatives like "cause for alarm", "matter of anxiety", or "source of apprehension" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a reason for concern" or "a cause for concern"?

Both "a reason for concern" and "a cause for concern" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "A cause for concern" might slightly emphasize the origin or source of the worry.

When is it appropriate to use "a reason for concern"?

It's appropriate to use "a reason for concern" when you want to express that a particular situation or development is worrying and should be given attention. It indicates that there is a valid basis for feeling concerned about potential negative outcomes.