a worrisome level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worrisome level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a degree or amount of something that causes concern or anxiety. Example: "The recent increase in pollution has reached a worrisome level, prompting calls for immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It also suggested a worrisome level of sophistication.

The New York Times

The decline came after new data showed that the United States trade deficit had widened to what some economists said was a worrisome level.

The New York Times

During the 1980s, the deficit peaked at about 6percentt of economic output; economists consider anything above about 3percenttoto be a worrisome level for the deficit.

The New York Times

Asked what might endanger the expansion, Mr. Clinton talked about the trade deficit and what some economists say is a worrisome level of debt.

The New York Times

Yields on Spanish 10-year bonds hit a worrisome level of 6 percent Wednesday for the first time in four months and closed the week nearly that high.

The New York Times

An American official said plans for European attacks among groups operating in Pakistan were at "varying stages of maturity" and were at "a worrisome level".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The European Central Bank made such a move last week, citing worrisome levels of inflation in food and energy costs.

The New York Times

BRUSSELS — Spanish borrowing costs rose to worrisome levels for a second day on Friday as the government said the economy would remain in recession through 2013 and the region of Valencia would need state financing.

The New York Times

new york times   Spain's Borrowing Costs Creep Higher  |  The New York Times reports: "Spanish borrowing costs rose to worrisome levels for a second day on Friday as the government said the economy would remain in recession through 2013 and the region of Valencia would need state financing".

The New York Times

In particular, he said, encouraging more lending by the state-controlled banking sector — one of the government's principal economic levers — risks a further buildup of local government debt, which some say is already at worrisome levels, and reigniting inflation, a serious worry in mid-2011.

The New York Times

But Adriano Pires, a prominent government detractor and director of a consulting firm specializing in energy, said the bank's disbursements — $81 billion this year, its biggest outlay ever — are generating worrisome levels of debt and an outsize role for the state in the economy.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a worrisome level", ensure you clearly articulate what specifically has reached this level and why it is concerning. Provide context and supporting information to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a worrisome level" without specifying what exactly is at that level. For example, instead of saying "Pollution reached a worrisome level", specify what type of pollution and provide quantifiable data if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrisome level" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree or intensity of something, indicating it has reached a point of concern. As seen in the Ludwig examples, this phrase is used to characterize various situations such as debt, pollution, or risk.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a worrisome level" is used to describe something that has reached a concerning point, requiring attention. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and is found in various contexts, mainly in News & Media and Science. While not extremely frequent, its usage is consistent and clear. To use it effectively, specify what exactly has reached "a worrisome level" and provide context to explain the concern. Consider alternatives like "an alarming degree" or "a concerning extent" for nuanced variations. When writing with "a worrisome level", remember specificity is key to avoid vagueness and ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an alarming degree

Replaces 'worrisome' with 'alarming' and 'level' with 'degree', emphasizing the sense of urgency.

a concerning extent

Substitutes 'worrisome' with 'concerning' and 'level' with 'extent', softening the intensity of the phrase.

a troubling amount

Replaces 'worrisome' with 'troubling' and 'level' with 'amount', focusing on the quantity and its negative impact.

a disturbing magnitude

Uses 'disturbing' instead of 'worrisome' and 'magnitude' for 'level', suggesting a more significant and unsettling impact.

a grave proportion

Replaces 'worrisome' with 'grave' and 'level' with 'proportion', highlighting the serious nature of the concern.

a precarious state

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the unstable or risky condition resulting from the level.

a critical threshold

Implies a boundary or point beyond which the situation becomes significantly worse.

an unsettling stage

Replaces 'worrisome' with 'unsettling' and 'level' with 'stage', focusing on the disquieting nature of the situation.

a serious point

Uses simpler language to convey the severity of the situation.

an unacceptable height

Replaces 'worrisome' with 'unacceptable' and 'level' with 'height', suggesting a transgression of acceptable limits.

FAQs

How can I use "a worrisome level" in a sentence?

You can use "a worrisome level" to describe a situation or measurement that is causing concern. For instance, "The debt has reached "a worrisome level", requiring immediate action".

What are some alternatives to "a worrisome level"?

Alternatives include "an alarming degree", "a concerning extent", or "a troubling amount". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "worrisome levels" or "a worrisome level"?

While both are grammatically correct, "worrisome levels" generally refers to multiple instances or measurements, whereas "a worrisome level" refers to a singular measurement or situation that has reached a concerning point.

What makes something qualify as "a worrisome level"?

Something qualifies as "a worrisome level" when it exceeds a threshold considered acceptable or safe, prompting concern about potential negative consequences. The threshold is usually set by experts or pre-existing standards.