a recurring concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a recurring concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic or issue that keeps reappearing or resurfacing. For example, "The threat of famine is a recurring concern in many countries around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Fuss's latest series features a recurring concern in his work: snakes.

The Guardian - Arts

A recurring concern of hospital executives has been that patients might try to draw the lawyers into malpractice suits.

The New York Times

It is also notable because it speaks to a recurring concern in this book with the fungible meanings of objects and the fluidity of identity.

The New Yorker

The nature of the boundary line between the individual and the collective has been a recurring concern for Murakami, almost from the outset of his career.

The New Yorker

The company's music licensing costs also remain high, at almost 61 percent of total revenue for the year, a recurring concern for investors.

The New York Times

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet The nature of the boundary line between the individual and the collective has been a recurring concern for Murakami, almost from the outset of his career.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The proliferation of old satellites and other space junk in Earth orbit is a subject of recurring concern.

The New Yorker

Whitehall's recurring concern was how to restrict coloured immigration specifically while publicly denying any racial motivation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later, when clouds of chemicals invade the Jakarta slums to combat dengue fever — a toxic mirror of that dreamy opening shot — their deadly billows encapsulate the film's recurring concern: for some, cities can be poison.

The New York Times

Finally, one recurring concern is that the money is not there yet in Berlin.

TechCrunch

Since exercise is associated with increased longevity, [37] there is recurring concern that exercise may delay cognitive impairment but still increase the duration of impairment, giving the paradoxical result of more cognitive impairment on a population basis.[5] Our study provides some evidence against this paradox being true.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a recurring concern", ensure the context clearly indicates what the concern is and why it is recurring. For instance, "Data privacy is a recurring concern among social media users."

Common error

Avoid using "a recurring concern" when you simply mean something is a one-time worry. The phrase specifically implies that the issue comes up repeatedly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a recurring concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts. It identifies a specific issue or topic that repeatedly arises.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a recurring concern" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an issue that repeatedly arises. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct, and its use spans diverse fields like news, science, and general discourse. When using this phrase, clarify the specific concern and its implications. Alternatives such as "a persistent worry" or "a frequent apprehension" can provide slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent worry

This alternative emphasizes the continuous and troubling nature of the concern.

a frequent apprehension

This phrase highlights the regularity and the anxious anticipation associated with the concern.

a constant source of anxiety

This alternative focuses on the continuous nature of the concern and its anxiety-inducing effect.

an ongoing preoccupation

This phrase emphasizes that the concern is something that someone thinks about often.

a perpetual problem

This option highlights that the concern relates to an unresolved issue that continues to exist.

a repeated issue

This alternative focuses on the fact that the concern is an issue that arises multiple times.

a common fear

This phrase centers on the widespread feeling of unease or dread related to the concern.

a standing reservation

This option is more formal and highlights a formal expression of worry that remains in place.

a familiar challenge

This phrase emphasizes that the concern is a difficult situation that is encountered regularly.

a regular headache

This alternative uses a more informal and relatable term to describe the frustrating nature of the concern.

FAQs

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

Use "a recurring concern" to describe an issue that appears repeatedly. For example, "Employee burnout is "a recurring concern" in high-stress industries."

What are some alternatives to "a recurring concern"?

You can use phrases like "a persistent worry", "a frequent apprehension", or "a constant source of anxiety" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "recurring concern" or "recurrent concern"?

Both "recurring concern" and "recurrent concern" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Recurring" tends to emphasize the repeated appearance of the concern, while "recurrent" highlights its cyclical nature.

What makes something qualify as "a recurring concern"?

For something to be "a recurring concern", it needs to be an issue or worry that surfaces repeatedly over time. It is not a one-off problem, but rather something that requires ongoing attention or management.