a state of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where there is worry or anxiety about a particular issue or event. Example: "The recent rise in pollution levels has created a state of concern among environmentalists and local residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

President Putin has suggested a discussion of a mobile boost-phase system that in a time of tension could be deployed close to the borders of a "state of concern".

The New York Times

I travel to some of these places and I can't imagine calling home and having my wife ask me, as she often does, "Where are you?" and I answer, "Honey, I'm in a state of concern".

The New York Times

One additional concern, which will remain with us so long as Russia remains in some turmoil, is the potential for a Russian nuclear weapon (or more likely, nuclear material) to be stolen by or otherwise diverted to a state of concern, a terrorist group, or other criminal organization.

Yale University

Yet, Pasadena is in a state of concern as University of Arizona-committed quarterback Brandon Cox suffered a break in his left foot on Sept. 7 and sat out the Bulldogs' 35-6 defeat at Salesian last week.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a state of great concern, they told me I had to take a vow of endorsement abstinence.

The New York Times - Books

If the actor is crazy, the recording angel is sternly sane, and the literary form of the book becomes a perfect metaphor of the way sixties people intentionally made fools of themselves in a state of earnest concern bordering on anguish.

The New Yorker

It is currently set at six minutes to midnight, reflecting signs of recent progress along with a state of lingering concern.

University of Chicago

But we managed to emerge from it in the end and return to a state of less concern.

Vice

His relationship with the king was distant, and Catholic zealots provoked Marie de Médicis into a state of hysteria concerning the man who, she believed, had deprived her of influence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also impresses the jurors with their solemn responsibility to avoid being misled by suspicion, conjecture, or mere appearance, and to arrive at a state of certainty concerning the proper resolution of the relevant factual issues.

Cornell University

Athletes are in a state of denial concerning their health.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a state of concern" to describe situations where worry or anxiety exists, particularly when referring to broader societal or organizational issues. For example, "The company is in "a state of concern" regarding the upcoming regulatory changes".

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences so passively that the subject experiencing the concern is unclear. Instead of "There is "a state of concern"", specify who holds the concern: "Residents are in "a state of concern" about the air quality".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a condition or situation characterized by worry, anxiety, or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and can be used to describe conditions of worry.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a state of concern" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to depict a condition characterized by worry or anxiety, applicable across various registers but particularly common in news and academic contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, consider using alternatives like "a worrying situation" or "a cause for alarm" for enhanced clarity or emphasis. Remember to clearly identify who or what is experiencing the concern to avoid passive constructions. This phrase, while relatively uncommon, serves as a useful tool for expressing unease and highlighting problematic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worrying situation

Emphasizes the situation itself as the source of concern, rather than the emotional state.

a cause for alarm

Indicates a higher level of urgency and potential danger than a simple state of concern.

a reason for anxiety

Focuses specifically on the feeling of anxiety as a response to a particular situation.

a matter of apprehension

Highlights a sense of unease and anticipation of potential negative outcomes.

a source of unease

Identifies the origin or cause of a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

a problematic condition

Focuses on the troublesome nature of the situation, rather than the emotional response.

an unsettling development

Highlights the disturbing or worrying nature of a new event or trend.

a disturbing trend

Focuses on a pattern or tendency that is causing worry or unease.

a precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential for negative consequences in a given scenario.

a vulnerable state

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or negative impact.

FAQs

What does "a state of concern" mean?

The phrase "a state of concern" refers to a situation or condition where there is worry, anxiety, or unease about a particular issue or event. It indicates that something is causing concern or is considered problematic.

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

You can use "a state of concern" to describe the condition of a person, organization, or situation. For instance, "The community is in "a state of concern" due to the rising crime rates".

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

You can use alternatives like "a worrying situation", "a cause for alarm", or "a reason for anxiety" depending on the specific context.

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

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "A state of concern" describes the overall situation, while "a cause for concern" highlights the specific reason or source of the worry.