a true concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"a true concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a genuine or real worry or problem that you or someone else has. For example: Having access to quality healthcare is a true concern for many people in rural areas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It seems that he does have a true concern for them, but also he has his own needs of affection which get expressed in unhealthy ways".

The New York Times

Dr Anna Warrington, a prime mover behind the letter and a mass protest to be held in London next Saturday, said: "Doctors are personally invested in the NHS, as well as professionally: we are vocationally motivated, we have a true concern and empathy for our patients, and we regularly go above and beyond to ensure their care.

The Guardian

Pierre Wettach, head of the organization in Israel and the Palestinian territories, said of the Israel Defense Forces in an interview: "I believe there is a true concern on the part of the I.D.F. to address these things, which are extremely complicated to organize".

The New York Times

What appears to be a true concern is that the content of these reports serves only this purpose.

Asian Journal of Sustainability and Social Responsibility

"But other tests aren't hugely helpful to know, and actually can be harmful, possibly causing health anxiety, especially if the test and actions to act upon the results aren't well defined or understood". Indeed, a 2016 paper in The BMJ assessing whether knowledge of your DNA make-up prompted positive behaviour change, and whether health anxiety is a true concern, found no evidence of either.

BBC

If global warming is a true concern, economics alone can justify this renewable electricity pathway.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Criticism is commonplace from others but not all of it is constructive or from a place of true concern for your well-being.

WikiHow

But Mokyr's true concern is a more fundamental cultural question: Why did some sixteenth-century Europeans start thinking that they could materially improve their lives?

The New Yorker

But is it a true technology concern?

The New York Times

As Bithell sees it, GamerGate is a "growing pain", albeit a pretty significant one, something that was always going to happen as gaming becomes a true mainstream concern.

Vice

But singling out the Jewish State above the rest shows how these double standards are a projection of anti-Semitism as opposed to true concern for the people.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "true concern" with stronger synonyms like "genuine worry" or "legitimate anxiety" if the situation warrants a more impactful expression.

Common error

Avoid using "true concern" excessively, as it can sound redundant. Sometimes, simply stating "a concern" is sufficient, particularly if the sincerity is implied by the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something as a genuine worry or matter of importance. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true concern" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a genuine worry or interest. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media sources and serves to emphasize the authenticity and importance of the concern being expressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valid way to convey sincerity in various contexts. Consider alternative phrasings like "a genuine worry" or "a sincere apprehension" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine worry

Focuses on the worry aspect, omitting the emphasis on truthfulness or authenticity of the concern.

a sincere apprehension

Replaces "concern" with "apprehension", emphasizing a feeling of anxiety or fear.

a legitimate anxiety

Substitutes "concern" with "anxiety", highlighting the worrying aspect, and "true" with "legitimate", reinforcing validity.

a real source of worry

Phrases the concern as a source of worry, adding a descriptive element.

a valid point of concern

Emphasizes the validity of the concern, making it a specific "point".

a heartfelt worry

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the concern, suggesting a deep feeling.

a deep interest

Shifts the focus from worry to interest, implying a strong engagement.

a pressing matter

Frames the concern as a "matter" that requires urgent attention.

a significant issue

Presents the concern as a notable "issue" or problem.

a considerable preoccupation

Highlights the absorbing nature of the concern, suggesting it's something that occupies the mind.

FAQs

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

You can use "a true concern" to express genuine worry or interest in something. For example, "Environmental protection is "a true concern" for many people.".

What's the difference between "a real concern" and "a true concern"?

"A real concern" emphasizes the existence of the concern, while "a true concern" emphasizes the genuineness or sincerity of the worry. They are largely interchangeable, but "a true concern" may imply a deeper emotional investment.

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

You can use alternatives like "a genuine worry", "a sincere apprehension", or "a legitimate anxiety" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "a true concern", or can I just say "a concern"?

In many cases, "a concern" is sufficient. Using "true" emphasizes the genuineness or importance of the concern. Only use "a true concern" when you specifically want to highlight that the worry is sincere and not superficial.