a worrying factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worrying factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an element or aspect that causes concern or anxiety in a particular context. Example: "The increase in pollution levels is a worrying factor for the health of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But the lack of complementary success in the Europa League is a worrying factor for the Bundesliga.

The New York Times

When prying into the play-offs version of "specialists in failure" there is a worrying factor that unites some of the worst offenders.

The Guardian - Sport

Even some supporters of the system feel the recurrence of common failings is a "worrying" factor.

BBC

A worrying factor at this early point, according to the retired official, was Saudi Arabia, which had been financing bin Laden's upkeep since his seizure by the Pakistanis.

Los Angeles Times

However, Chris' [Chibnall] painfully simplistic, heavy-handed and often clichéd interpretation of sci-fi (some of Jack's techno-babble is frankly embarrassing) could prove to be a worrying factor later in the series".

Wikipedia

With many people relying on plant products for their primary health care needs, possible toxicity to humans is a worrying factor.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Many health professionals now see loneliness as a more worrying factor than obesity.

Independent

Therefore, the relationship among these items could potentially represent a methodological artefact, able to be modelled using correlated errors rather than a specific psychopathological worrying factor.

BMC Psychiatry

However the restlessness-fatigue factor and the generalized worrying factor showed a rather low precision across the whole latent trait.

BMC Psychiatry

The loadings on the specific generalized worrying factor (8 items) were highest for "I worried", "I worried a lot of the time", and "I worried when I went to bed"(loadings >.40) The specific generalized worrying factor only contained three items with factor loadings >.40, which were all similarly worded.

BMC Psychiatry

The distinct somatic/information processing factor implies that symptoms including concentration, irritability, sleeping difficulties, tiredness, and motor disturbances to be at the same hierarchical level with the depressed mood and the worrying factor, rather than being a subordinate construct.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "a worrying factor" with more descriptive alternatives like "a concerning aspect" or "a troubling element" for increased precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a worrying factor" excessively in situations where the concern is already obvious or overstated. This can dilute the impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrying factor" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific element that causes concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a worrying factor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote an element causing concern. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and can be used in a sentence to point out aspects that raise anxiety. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to highlight potential problems that warrant attention. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies the cause of worry and avoid overuse to maintain impact. Consider replacing it with alternatives such as "a concerning aspect" or "a troubling element" for precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concerning aspect

Replaces "factor" with "aspect", focusing on the nature of the concern.

a troubling element

Substitutes "worrying" with "troubling" and "factor" with "element", emphasizing the problematic nature.

a disturbing trend

Highlights the pattern or direction of the concern rather than a single factor.

a cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the reason behind the worry, rather than the factor itself.

a reason to worry

Directly states that something provides justification for anxiety.

a point of concern

Emphasizes a specific item or issue that is causing worry.

an alarming development

Indicates that something is progressing in a worrying direction.

a serious issue

Highlights the gravity of the matter causing worry.

a significant problem

Focuses on the substantial nature of the difficulty.

an area of anxiety

Highlights something as an area that is causing worry or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "a worrying factor" in a sentence?

Use "a worrying factor" to introduce an element that causes concern or anxiety. For example, "The decline in sales is "a worrying factor" for the company's future."

What are some alternatives to "a worrying factor"?

You can use alternatives like "a concerning aspect", "a troubling element", or "a disturbing trend" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a worrying factor" or "a concerning factor"?

Both "a worrying factor" and "a concerning factor" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Concerning" may sound slightly more formal.

What makes something "a worrying factor" rather than just a factor?

The adjective "worrying" indicates that the factor is not neutral but causes anxiety, unease, or concern due to its potential negative consequences.