a significant worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing concerns or issues that are considered important or serious. Example: "The rising levels of pollution in the city have become a significant worry for residents and environmentalists alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Of course, with so much data stored electronically these days, privacy is a significant worry.

The New York Times

"It's a significant worry because the more they spread it around, the higher the risk something gets loose".

The New York Times

And for years the response from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been the same: the threat of terrorism on American soil is too remote to make it a significant worry.

The New York Times

A game which swivels on set-pieces is always going to be there for Leicester's winning so well drilled are they in the basics, but a significant worry for them on the night was the departure of their Australian centre Matt Toomua with a knee injury after 23 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

And that's where there does seem to be a significant worry — Espindola got his goal, but he's a worryingly streaky player at times, and it's way too early in the season for Eddie Johnson to look as lethargic as he did on occasion, or as exasperated at the supply he was receiving.

The Guardian - Sport

But a significant worry remains.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Pete Campbell, a hospital doctor in the north-east who undertook the survey with the assistance of the British Medical Association, said: "This survey is just a snapshot of medical understaffing, which is going on on a significant, worrying and dangerous scale.

The Guardian

A more significant worry is that anything that could confuse matters is the last thing that hard-pressed security staff need.

Independent

Congress created the companies to bolster the mortgage market but in the last couple of weeks they themselves have become a source of significant worry for policy makers and investors.

The New York Times

Mas and most others want secession, but a significant minority worry that this could damage Catalonia's economic interests.

The Guardian

A significant additional worry for these commentators was article 17.10.4.

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance your writing, consider replacing "a significant worry" with a more specific term that reflects the nature of the concern, such as "a major risk" or "a serious challenge".

Common error

Avoid using "a significant worry" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "major concern", "serious issue", or by rephrasing the sentence to avoid the phrase altogether. This will make your writing more engaging and less monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant worry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies something causing considerable anxiety. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant worry" is a valid and usable phrase that indicates concern or apprehension about a particular issue. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate language for clarity and impact. As the analysis showed, News & Media and Science are top categories where this expression is used. Remember to be mindful of overuse and explore synonyms to enrich your writing. When you aim to use a more expressive and high-impactful expression of your concern, take into account alternatives such as "a major concern" or "a serious issue", depending on the specific nature of the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sizeable worry

Focuses on the extent or magnitude of the worry.

a huge worry

Emphasizes the large scale or impact of the worry.

a major worry

Highlights the importance or severity of the concern.

a significant alarm

Shifts focus to the feeling of alert or warning associated with the worry.

a significant scare

Emphasizes the fear or fright caused by the worry.

a significant preoccupation

Indicates a state of being constantly absorbed or concerned by something.

a big worry

Uses simpler language to convey a similar level of concern.

a substantial worry

Highlights the solid or considerable nature of the worry.

a considerable worry

Emphasizes that the worry is worthy of attention and thought.

an important worry

Highlights that the issue is critical and needs attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant worry" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant worry" to express concern about something important. For example, "Data breaches are "a significant worry" for many companies".

What are some alternatives to "a significant worry"?

Alternatives include "a major concern", "a serious issue", or "a substantial problem", depending on the context.

Is "a significant worry" formal or informal?

"A significant worry" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using more precise language that specifies the exact nature of the concern.

What makes something "a significant worry"?

Something becomes "a significant worry" when it has the potential to cause considerable negative impact or harm. It's an issue that demands attention and possible action.