a source of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that causes worry or anxiety, often in contexts related to health, safety, or social issues. Example: "The rising pollution levels in the city have become a source of concern for residents and environmentalists alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he remains a source of concern.

The New Yorker

Every cough is a source of concern.

The New York Times

Mauritania is also a source of concern.

The Guardian

Baths and showers have become a source of concern.

The New York Times

The absence of information has become a source of concern to human rights groups.

The New York Times

In particular, the propagation of personal communication devices has been a source of concern to many.

The Guardian

There were no worries for the defensive line, a source of concern most of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

But the absence of any immediate prospect of that happening is a source of concern.

The Guardian

Mr. McCain's age, 71, continues to be a source of concern for at least some voters.

The New York Times

Coach John Tortorella said Drury's condition was a "source of concern" and would be monitored.

The New York Times - Sports

Your parents are both a source of concern and a glimpse of your future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of concern", be specific about what is causing the concern to provide context and clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of concern" in situations that are only mildly inconvenient. Save it for scenarios where genuine worry or anxiety is warranted to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that is causing worry or anxiety. Ludwig provides many examples from reliable sources that validate the usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of concern" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate something that causes worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is appropriate across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "a cause for concern" or "reason for worry" exist, "a source of concern" maintains a neutral and professional tone. Remember to be specific about the subject of concern and avoid overuse in trivial situations. This will maintain the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause for concern

Directly replaces "source" with "cause", maintaining the same meaning.

a matter of concern

Substitutes "source" with "matter", focusing on the issue itself.

reason for worry

Replaces the more formal "source of concern" with simpler language.

cause for alarm

Uses "alarm" to highlight a more urgent or serious level of concern.

area of anxiety

Shifts from the external "source" to the internal feeling of "anxiety".

point of apprehension

Uses more formal vocabulary like "apprehension" to convey concern.

something to worry about

Simplifies the phrase into a more conversational expression of worry.

an object of concern

Focuses on what is being worried about, what the object of concern is.

matter of unease

Uses "unease" to convey a sense of mild anxiety or discomfort.

grounds for unease

It focuses on the elements or elements that may originate uncertainty or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of concern" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of concern" to indicate something that causes worry or anxiety. For example, "The lack of clean water is "a source of concern" for the villagers".

What are some alternatives to saying "a source of concern"?

You can use alternatives like "a cause for concern", "a matter of concern", or "reason for worry" depending on the context.

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

Both "a source of concern" and "cause for concern" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "a source of concern" might sound slightly more formal.

Can "a source of concern" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While "a source of concern" is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it's generally perceived as more neutral. In very informal contexts, you might prefer something like "something to worry about".