a trace of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight or subtle indication of worry or anxiety about something. Example: "She spoke with a trace of concern in her voice when discussing the recent changes at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Don Hines, the director of business development at Identytech Solutions, happily tells me about his facial recognition software without a trace of concern the tool could be abused.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Selenium is a trace element of concern in several geochemical contexts, due to the potentially high mobility of the selenium oxyanions and the narrow range between deficiency and toxicity of the element.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Where you really see the influence of Ms. Silverman is in the clubs, in the most unfiltered of art forms, where performers can work out their material with a minimum of interference or trace of concern about standards or demographics.

The New York Times - Arts

Not a trace of mud.

Independent

A trace of cushion.

The Guardian - Film

Without a trace of a smile, Mlle.

The New York Times

There was a trace of woodworm damage.

The New Yorker

A trace of mineral smoke rises.

The New York Times

They're poetic, a trace of a trace".

The Guardian - Arts

It is a trace of human behavior.

The New York Times - Books

Not a trace of him was left.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trace of concern" to subtly convey worry without sounding overly alarmed. It's perfect for nuanced descriptions of emotional states.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of concern" when the situation warrants stronger language. Overusing it can diminish the gravity of serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of concern" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a minimal amount or indication of worry or anxiety. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trace of concern" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a minimal degree of worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not overly common, it appears in news, science, and business contexts. For expressing similar ideas, consider alternatives such as "a hint of worry" or "a touch of apprehension". Use this phrase when subtlety is key and avoid exaggerating the level of concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A hint of worry

This alternative suggests a slight, subtle indication of concern.

A touch of apprehension

This alternative emphasizes a mild feeling of anxiety or unease.

A shade of anxiety

This alternative highlights a faint degree of anxiousness.

A tinge of unease

This alternative implies a slight feeling of discomfort or disquiet.

A glimmer of worry

This alternative suggests a brief, faint sign of concern.

A suspicion of anxiety

This alternative indicates a slight feeling or belief that something might be wrong, resulting in anxiety.

A whisper of apprehension

This alternative uses a metaphorical expression to suggest a subtle or barely noticeable feeling of unease.

A faint sign of worry

This alternative uses a more direct expression to convey the idea that there is a subtle or hardly visible sign of worry.

A slight indication of concern

This alternative uses a more formal expression to emphasize that the trace of concern is subtly noticeable.

A minimal degree of anxiety

This alternative employs a formal tone to stress the small amount of anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trace of concern" to describe someone's subtle worry, as in, "She spoke with "a trace of concern" about the upcoming deadline."

What's the difference between "a trace of concern" and "a lot of concern"?

"A trace of concern" indicates a small amount of worry, while "a lot of concern" implies significant worry. The intensity differs greatly.

Which is correct, "a trace of concern" or "a trace of concerned"?

"A trace of concern" is correct. "Concern" is used as a noun in this phrase, not as a past participle adjective.

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

You can use alternatives like "a hint of worry", "a touch of apprehension", or "a shade of anxiety" depending on the context.