a serious concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or problem that is significant and requires attention or consideration. Example: "The rising levels of pollution in our city have become a serious concern for public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a serious concern.

The Economist

That is a serious concern".

The Guardian

That's a serious concern".

The New York Times

Meanwhile, wages are a serious concern.

The Economist

Airliner hijacking had become a serious concern.

The New York Times

Team health remains a serious concern.

The New York Times - Sports

"And that is a serious concern.

The New York Times - Arts

Yes, it's a serious concern for us.

The New York Times - Sports

The rains were getting to be a serious concern now.

The New Yorker

Security was a serious concern everywhere we visited.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, he added, "This is a serious concern".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious concern", ensure the context clearly explains the nature of the concern and why it is considered serious. Provide specific details or examples to support your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious concern" without specifying what exactly is concerning. For example, instead of saying "Climate change is a serious concern", specify "The increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change is a serious concern."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious concern" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as an important issue or problem that warrants attention. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is commonly used across diverse texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious concern" is a widely used phrase to express worry or highlight the importance of an issue. As Ludwig AI points out, this expression is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific details to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "a grave worry" or "a critical issue", depending on the nuance you want to convey. The frequent use of "a serious concern" across authoritative sources makes it a reliable and effective way to communicate significant issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A grave worry

Replaces "concern" with "worry" and "serious" with "grave" indicating a more profound level of anxiety.

A significant apprehension

Substitutes "concern" with "apprehension" and "serious" with "significant", conveying a more formal and thoughtful unease.

A critical issue

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the matter, using "critical" instead of "serious".

A pressing matter

Highlights the urgency of the concern, suggesting it requires immediate attention.

A major problem

Replaces "concern" with "problem", indicating a tangible issue needing resolution rather than just a worry.

A worrying development

Focuses on the unfolding nature of the situation, implying that it is becoming increasingly concerning over time.

A cause for alarm

Suggests that the situation is severe enough to warrant a strong reaction.

A reason for anxiety

Directly expresses the feeling of unease associated with the situation.

A matter of importance

Indicates that the concern is significant and should be given due consideration.

A noteworthy issue

Highlights that the concern is worth paying attention to and discussing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious concern" to express worry about a significant issue. For example, "The lack of funding for education is "a serious concern" for many parents."

What are some alternatives to "a serious concern"?

Alternatives include "a grave worry", "a critical issue", or "a major problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a serious concern"?

While "concern" already implies a degree of seriousness, using "serious" emphasizes the significance of the worry. It's not inherently redundant but consider if the adjective adds meaningful weight to your statement.

What is the difference between "a serious concern" and "a minor concern"?

"A serious concern" indicates a significant issue that requires attention, while "a minor concern" suggests a relatively small or insignificant problem.