a viable concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"a viable concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a valid reason for worry or a concern that has the prospect of resolution. Example: The sustainability of our planet is a viable concern that needs to be addressed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But Mr. Levin, like many others, said he wondered whether Vonage would be a historical footnote or a viable concern.

The New York Times

Sophie Fiennes believes that Clark's subsequent slide into addiction was precipitated not by his partying, but by the pressures of keeping the Michael Clark Company a viable concern.

The Guardian

And it should consider creating a mechanism to provide bankruptcy financing to help G.M. in case it fails to meet the deadlines — to ensure that the bankruptcy that may then become inevitable is not a disorderly process and that the company will emerge as a viable concern at the other end.

The New York Times

The response was overwhelming, and turned the company into a viable concern overnight.

Forbes

Union leaders argue that the profitability of the business shows it can remain a viable concern within the public sector.

BBC

However, in patients where metastasis may pose a viable concern, a PET/CT may be considered.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A lot are so used to these changes that they just want to end up working for a viable business and are not concerned about the larger machinations".

The New York Times

Chrysler is not a viable business.

Forbes

Is this a viable business?

Forbes

I don't know if that's courageous or not because, at the end of the day, I felt we had to do this to be a long-term viable concern.

Forbes

It could be that the time is ripe to implement and execute the business strategy that has been forged before and during the accelerator program, using the business acumen and connections that have been acquired in the lifetime of the business to definitively see whether the business can be a viable ongoing concern.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a viable concern", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the concern 'viable' – is it about financial sustainability, ethical considerations, or practical implementation?

Common error

Avoid using "a viable concern" when the issue is clearly unrealistic or impossible to address effectively. Use stronger terms like "critical" or "urgent" if the situation demands immediate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a viable concern" functions as a noun phrase, where 'viable' modifies the noun 'concern'. It typically acts as a subject complement or object within a sentence, identifying or describing a particular worry or issue that is realistically possible to deal with. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a viable concern" is a phrase used to describe a worry or issue that is both real and realistically addressable. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not as frequently used as simpler alternatives like "a real concern", "a viable concern" is suitable for professional contexts where a degree of formality is required. It is frequently found in news reports, business communications, and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feasible worry

Replaces 'viable' with 'feasible', suggesting something that is possible to do easily or conveniently.

a realistic worry

Substitutes 'viable' with 'realistic', focusing on the grounded and practical nature of the concern.

a practical concern

Replaces 'viable' with 'practical', emphasizing the usefulness and applicability of addressing the concern.

a workable worry

Changes 'viable' to 'workable', implying the possibility of finding a solution or managing the concern effectively.

a sound reason for worry

Rephrases the entire expression to emphasize the rationality and validity of the concern.

a legitimate reason for concern

Replaces 'viable' with 'legitimate', highlighting the valid and justifiable nature of the concern.

a well-founded worry

Implies that the concern is based on solid evidence or reasoning, making it credible.

a sustainable worry

Emphasizes the lasting impact and potential long-term effects of the concern.

an enduring worry

Highlights how the worry could last or continue.

a pressing worry

Highlights the urgency or importance of the concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "a viable concern" to describe a worry or issue that is realistically possible or worth addressing. For instance, "The environmental impact of the project is "a viable concern" that must be considered".

What are some alternatives to "a viable concern"?

Alternatives include "a realistic worry", "a practical concern", or "a legitimate reason for concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'a viable interesting' instead of "a viable concern"?

While grammatically correct, 'a viable interesting' is not a common or idiomatic phrase. It's more appropriate to use "a viable concern" or rephrase your sentence to better express your intended meaning.

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

"A real concern" simply means the worry or issue exists. "A viable concern" suggests that the worry is not only real but also has the potential to be addressed or resolved. It implies there's a realistic approach to managing or mitigating the concern.