a top concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a top concern' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is of great importance or is a major priority. For example, "Preserving the environment is a top concern for this administration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A top concern is the milling that produces yellowcake.

The New York Times

Inadequate breastfeeding continues to be a top concern.

The Economist

"Fogging is a top concern of manufacturers," Mr. Valentine said.

The New York Times - Tech

At the moment, reducing invasive weeds is a top concern.

The New York Times

The interest of these players is a top concern".

The New York Times - Sports

Redmond, W. Online bullying is a top concern among youth.

Nature

For them, gender is not a top concern.

The New York Times

Integrated circuit defectivity is becoming a top concern for Reliability Engineers and their customers.

Microelectronics Reliability

But according to exit polls, the economy was a top concern for Illinois voters.

The New York Times

Accounting is a top concern in China, where "audits can't be trusted," Mr. Rieschel said.

The New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — As at any major event, security is a top concern at this year's Super Bowl.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a top concern" when you want to clearly communicate that something is of utmost importance to a particular group or in a specific situation.

Common error

While "a top concern" is acceptable, avoid overuse, especially in formal writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "primary focus" or "key issue" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a wider vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a top concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, to identify something as being of primary importance or worry. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a top concern" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote something of utmost importance or priority. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability across varied contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it signifies urgency and is suitable for neutral to professional registers. While versatile, avoid overuse in overly formal writing to maintain sophistication. Related phrases include "primary focus" or "overriding concern" which offer similar emphasis. By understanding its usage and context, you can effectively communicate priority and urgency in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overriding concern

Emphasizes that the concern is more important than any other consideration.

key issue

Highlights that it is a significant point of discussion or contention.

main priority

Shifts the focus to what needs to be addressed first.

paramount importance

Highlights the supreme significance or importance of something.

primary worry

Focuses on the emotional aspect of concern, emphasizing worry.

major focus

Highlights that something is receiving significant attention.

principal consideration

Stresses that something is central to decision-making.

central problem

Identifies the core issue needing resolution.

chief preoccupation

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

foremost anxiety

Directly relates to heightened worry and apprehension.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a top concern"?

You can use alternatives like "primary focus", "key issue", or "overriding concern" depending on the specific context.

How formal is the phrase "a top concern"?

The phrase "a top concern" is suitable for a variety of contexts, including news reports, business communications, and academic writing. However, more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly academic or official settings.

Is it correct to say "the top concern is" or "a top concern is"?

Both are grammatically correct. "The top concern is" implies there is a single, most important issue. "A top concern is" suggests it is one of several significant issues.

What's the difference between "a top concern" and "a major concern"?

While both phrases indicate a significant issue, "a top concern" suggests a higher level of importance or urgency compared to "a major concern". The former implies it's among the most important, while the latter simply means it's significant.