a worrying level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worrying 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 report indicated a worrying level of pollution in the river, prompting immediate action from the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In 2013, however, it's not alien armies they have to worry about, it's the burgeoning far-right movement, a worrying level of state control, and an increase in censorship all brewing within the country's borders.

Vice

Although Hungary isn't a country famed for its defenses, in 2013 it's not alien armies they have to worry about: it's the burgeoning far-right movement, a worrying level of state control, and an increase in censorship all brewing within its own borders.

Vice

The fact that the smugglers in Moldova had tried to evade detection by building a shielded container represents a worrying level of sophistication.

The Washington Post

Those bloody Scandinavians ReprintsThat may already appear a worrying level of concentration, with a risk of tacit collusion or at least "soft competition" on price.

The Economist

But we have uncovered evidence of substantial funds being held in a European bank by an oil-rich country in the past, where the head of state had a worrying level of personal control over the funds.

The Guardian

But he has fears about a "worrying level of frustration" if, as seems inevitable, several of the smaller parties receive a large number of votes but only a handful of MPs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"The Spanish economy is immersed in a period of deep contraction, where the unemployment rate, unless measures are taken, will rise to a very worrying level," the Bank of Spain's governor, Miguel Ángel Fernández Ordóñez, said Friday, according to Reuters.

The New York Times

This amounts to a very worrying level of dependency, and increasingly transfers leverage into the hands of the exporters.

BBC

The youngsters born in the late 1980s show a very low and worrying level of turnout of only around 20percentt.

The Washington Post

But Friday's violence, which spurred Power's email, appeared to represent a different and more worrying level of violence.

Vice

In January 1992 Northampton Town became the first British football club to establish a supporters' trust in response to concerns over the suitability of their owners, led by chairman Michael McRitchie, and the club's worrying level of debt.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a worrying level", ensure that the noun it modifies is clearly defined to provide context for the concern. For example, instead of just saying "a worrying level", specify "a worrying level of debt" or "a worrying level of pollution".

Common error

While "a worrying level" is acceptable in news and professional settings, avoid using it excessively in informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very concerning" or "quite alarming" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrying level" primarily functions as a pre-modifier to a noun, indicating that the noun's quantity or intensity is cause for concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is used to qualify nouns, adding a layer of concern to their meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a worrying level" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote concern about the extent or degree of something. As Ludwig AI validates, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with supporting usage in science and formal business communications. While versatile, it’s essential to clearly define the noun being modified and to consider simpler alternatives in informal writing. Understanding its function and register ensures effective and appropriate usage across various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a troubling degree

Focuses on the problematic extent or intensity of something.

a disturbing amount

Emphasizes the unsettling quantity or measure of something.

a concerning rate

Highlights the alarming speed or frequency of something.

a grave extent

Indicates the seriousness and significant impact of something.

an alarming magnitude

Stresses the great size or scale of something worrisome.

a frightening proportion

Draws attention to the unsettling ratio or percentage of something.

a serious problem

Highlights the gravity of an issue without quantifying it.

a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and risk associated with a state of affairs.

a worrying trend

Highlights a concerning pattern or direction of change.

a significant risk

Emphasizes the potential danger or harm involved.

FAQs

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

Use "a worrying level" to describe the degree or amount of something that causes concern. For instance, "There is "a worrying level of deforestation" in the Amazon rainforest".

What are some alternatives to "a worrying level"?

You can use alternatives like "a troubling degree", "a disturbing amount", or "a concerning rate", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a worrying level" in formal writing?

Yes, "a worrying level" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in reports, articles, and professional communications. It conveys concern in a clear and professional manner. Simpler language may be preferred in very informal communications.

What's the difference between "a worrying level" and "a serious level"?

"A worrying level" implies a sense of concern or anxiety, while "a serious level" emphasizes the gravity or severity of something. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the emotional response or the objective impact.