a special concern

USAGE SUMMARY

'a special concern' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a particular interest or issue, usually one that is more important than others. For example: "Environmental protection is a special concern for many governments around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Spiraling police costs are a special concern.

The New York Times

Annual measurement is a special concern of mine.

The New York Times

"Palestine is a special concern," he told Italian lawmakers.

The New York Times

His crônicas reveal a special concern for children and the urban poor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three artists have a special concern with the interaction of species.

The New York Times

Rates of unemployment were among the highest in the gulf region and a special concern among the country's youth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Syria has been a special concern for Saudi Arabia's monarch, King Abdullah, Saudi officials say, for two reasons.

The New York Times

There is a special concern about the summer, when the police department is stretched to the limit.

The New York Times

Flexibility in education spending is a special concern of members of both parties with whom I've discussed.

The New York Times

A scandal also has an immediate effect on their premiums for liability insurance, a special concern for private companies.

The New York Times

A failing war in Afghanistan is a special concern for the Muslim community, but it is unpopular more widely too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a special concern", clearly articulate what the concern is and why it is important. Provide context to help your audience understand the significance of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a special concern" without providing enough detail about the concern itself. Always specify what the concern refers to, otherwise, your statement will lack impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special concern" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific worry or issue that is of particular importance. As evidenced by Ludwig, it frequently appears in contexts where emphasis is needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize a particular worry or issue requiring attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal communications. When using this phrase, be specific about the concern to maximize clarity and impact. Consider related phrases like "a particular worry" or "a key issue" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular worry

Replaces "concern" with "worry", emphasizing the element of anxiety.

a primary focus

Shifts from concern to highlighting something that is the main point of attention.

a key issue

Replaces 'concern' with 'issue', denoting a significant problem or matter.

a major preoccupation

Emphasizes the extent to which something dominates one's thoughts.

a notable apprehension

Uses 'apprehension' to highlight a feeling of anxiety or fear about something.

a significant consideration

Focuses on the importance of something needing careful thought.

an elevated priority

Highlights that something is given greater importance.

an acute anxiety

Emphasizes the intensity and severity of the anxiety.

a foremost interest

Indicates something is the most important thing to be interested in.

a pressing matter

Highlights the urgency and importance of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a special concern" to highlight something that is particularly important or worrisome. For example, "Data privacy is "a special concern" for many users online".

What can I say instead of "a special concern"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular worry", "a primary focus", or "a key issue" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a special concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "a special concern" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in reports, articles, and official communications to emphasize the importance of a particular issue.

What's the difference between "a special concern" and "a general concern"?

"A special concern" refers to a specific issue that requires particular attention, while "a general concern" relates to a broader worry that affects many people or things.