a worrying message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worrying message" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a message that causes concern or anxiety. Example: "The report contained a worrying message about the potential risks associated with the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Streeting, who used to be head of education at Stonewall, a leading gay rights organisation, said the inconsistency of approach sent "a worrying message to those who worried that a majority Tory government would turn the clock back on equality".

The Guardian

Targeting foreign landowners will send a worrying message to investors at a time when the country can ill afford it.

The Economist

That voice is white, male, and middle class, and that sends a worrying message to our students.

The Guardian

The singer Sinead O'Connor is reportedly receiving medical treatment after a worrying message about taking an 'overdose' was posted on her Facebook page.

Independent

There is a worrying message in all these statements: They tell shoppers frozen is as good as, or better than fresh.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Anna Mazzola, a solicitor on Miranda's legal team, added: "If [the judges] find in the government's favour, it will send a worrying message as to the protections that the UK affords to journalists and those working with them".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

However, by putting Vella in charge of an environment directorate that is threatened with reduced powers, a very worrying message is being sent to the rest of Europe".

The Guardian

"This is a very worrying message," Mr. Birol said.

The New York Times

"This is a very worrying message," said Fatih Birol, chief economist for the International Energy Agency, which provides policy advice to industrialized nations.

The New York Times

"It sends a very worrying message to the people of Iraq that the multinational force does not think normal human rights standards apply," he said.

The Guardian

Hunt said: "Casualisation in our universities and colleges remains the unacceptable underbelly of post-16 education and these changes send a very worrying message to staff.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a worrying message", ensure the context clearly indicates what the concern or anxiety relates to. Specificity enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a worrying message" to describe trivial or mundane issues. Overusing it can diminish its impact when addressing genuinely serious concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrying message" functions as a noun phrase, where 'worrying' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'message'. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worrying message" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a communication that causes concern or anxiety. As verified by Ludwig, it is appropriate for a neutral register and frequently appears in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the source and nature of the worry. Alternatives such as "a concerning communication" or "an alarming piece of news" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concerning communication

Substitutes 'worrying' with 'concerning' and 'message' with 'communication', maintaining a formal tone.

an alarming piece of news

Replaces 'worrying' with 'alarming' and 'message' with 'piece of news', emphasizing the potential for shock or fear.

a disturbing report

Uses 'disturbing' instead of 'worrying' and 'report' instead of 'message', highlighting the unsettling nature of the information.

a troubling sign

Replaces 'worrying' with 'troubling' and 'message' with 'sign', focusing on the indication of potential problems.

an unsettling update

Uses 'unsettling' in place of 'worrying' and 'update' instead of 'message', suggesting a sense of unease.

a grave warning

Substitutes 'worrying' with 'grave' and 'message' with 'warning', stressing the seriousness of the information.

a disquieting announcement

Replaces 'worrying' with 'disquieting' and 'message' with 'announcement', highlighting the potential to cause anxiety.

an ominous forecast

Uses 'ominous' instead of 'worrying' and 'forecast' instead of 'message', conveying a sense of impending danger.

a foreboding notification

Substitutes 'worrying' with 'foreboding' and 'message' with 'notification', emphasizing a sense of impending misfortune.

a discouraging communication

Replaces 'worrying' with 'discouraging' and 'message' with 'communication', focusing on a potential loss of confidence.

FAQs

What does "a worrying message" mean?

The phrase "a worrying message" describes a communication that causes concern, anxiety, or unease due to its content or implications.

What can I say instead of "a worrying message"?

You can use alternatives like "a concerning communication", "an alarming piece of news", or "a disturbing report" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a very worrying message"?

Yes, "a very worrying message" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the degree of concern or anxiety caused by the message. It's simply a more emphatic version of "a worrying message".

How do I use "a worrying message" in a sentence?

You can use "a worrying message" in a sentence like this: "The doctor delivered "a worrying message" about the patient's condition" or "The economic forecast contained "a worrying message" about a potential recession".