a worrying situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a worrying situation' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that is causing one to feel uneasy or concerned. For example, "The spike in COVID-19 cases in our area is a worrying situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It is a worrying situation, of course.

The Guardian

To state the obvious, it's a worrying situation for Clinton.

The New Yorker

This is a worrying situation but the UK is not the worst affected country in Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a worrying situation with a lot of implications, and not one likely to have an easy solution.

Independent

Mr. Draghi said the central bank had no "silver bullets" for what he acknowledged was a worrying situation.

The New York Times

On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child CRCC), ratified by Jamaica in 1991, this is a worrying situation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

He added that it was "an extremely worrying situation where a PCC is interfering in operational police matters, and when he doesn't get his way, gets rid of the chief constable".

BBC

Mr David said it was "an extremely worrying situation where a PCC is interfering in operational police matters, and when he doesn't get his way, gets rid of the chief constable".

BBC

"This is a really worrying situation, but it's good to see a response taking shape", said UNICEF Representative in Lao PDR Timothy Schaffter.

Unicef

Cameron, on the election campaign trail in Halifax, said it was a "very worrying" situation.

The Guardian

"It is a really worrying situation," said Richard Thomas, director of Traffic, the group that monitors trade in wildlife.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a worrying situation", ensure that the context clearly explains what makes the situation worrying to provide the reader with sufficient information.

Common error

Avoid using "worrying" as a direct substitute for "worry". "Worrying" functions as an adjective describing the situation, not the feeling itself. For example, instead of saying "The worrying is high", say "The level of worry is high" or "The situation is worrying".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrying situation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "worrying" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "situation". It describes a state or set of circumstances that causes concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worrying situation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express concern about a particular state of affairs. Ludwig AI confirms it’s a valid expression in English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, from news reports to professional communications. While versatile, ensuring the context clearly explains the cause for concern is essential for effective communication. Alternatives such as "a concerning development" or "a troublesome scenario" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concerning development

Emphasizes the evolving aspect of the situation that is causing concern, rather than the situation itself.

a troublesome scenario

Highlights the problematic nature of the situation, focusing on the difficulties it presents.

a precarious state of affairs

Suggests instability and potential danger in the current situation, adding a sense of risk.

a grave concern

Elevates the level of worry, indicating a serious and significant cause for alarm.

a disturbing trend

Shifts the focus to a pattern or trajectory that is causing unease, rather than a specific situation.

a reason for anxiety

Directly expresses that the situation is causing anxiety, personalizing the concern.

a cause for alarm

Indicates that the situation is serious enough to warrant an alert or warning.

a challenging circumstance

Downplays the negative aspect, framing the situation as difficult but potentially manageable.

an alarming event

Draws attention to a specific event that is causing fear or concern due to its unexpected or threatening nature.

a worrying trend

A pattern of events or data points that is causing concern because it suggests a potential problem or negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a worrying situation" in a sentence?

To use "a worrying situation" effectively, clearly define what aspect of the situation is causing concern. Providing specific details will enhance the impact and clarity of your statement. For instance, instead of just stating "It's a worrying situation", you could say, "The decline in vaccination rates is "a worrying situation" because it increases the risk of outbreaks".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a worrying situation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a concerning development", "a troublesome scenario", or "a precarious state of affairs" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "a worrying situation" and "a worrisome situation"?

While both phrases convey concern, "worrying" typically describes something that is currently causing anxiety, whereas "worrisome" can suggest something that has the potential to cause worry in the future. The choice depends on whether the concern is immediate or anticipated.

Can I use "a worrying situation" in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "a worrying situation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, consider using stronger or more precise language, such as "a grave concern" or "a disturbing trend", to emphasize the seriousness of the issue.