a worrying tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worrying tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a trend or behavior that causes concern or anxiety. Example: "The recent increase in cyberbullying among teenagers is a worrying tendency that needs to be addressed by parents and educators."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

GORDON BROWN, Britain's chancellor of the exchequer, has recently developed a worrying tendency to boast about his economic record.

The Economist

Pasqual wore a straw hat and displayed a worrying tendency to collapse to the floor in mid-sentence.

The Guardian - Travel

"I think there has been a worrying tendency in our courts and elsewhere to erode that safe space for policy advice.

Independent

Yet Mr Greenspan has also shown a worrying tendency to bring back the punch bowl as soon as the revellers show signs of sobering up.

The Economist

Har Har! Ainsley loves parsley!" Ainsley has a worrying tendency of referring to himself in the third person, and it seems to have reached certifiable levels: "Mmm, yummy!

The Guardian

However, where there is weakness, the directors of social enterprises and charities have a worrying tendency to procrastinate rather than tackle their problem.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's a worrying trend.

The Guardian

Martin calls this "a worrying trend".

The Guardian

Atedo Peterside, an investment banker, calls this "a worrying trend".

The Economist

"It's a worrying trend, but we weren't surprised.

Huffington Post

At the moment, my wife works part-time, so she does the majority, a state of affairs that has brought with it her faintly worrying tendency to carry on as if vacuuming and dusting are an arcane dark art, the secret of which has been exclusively revealed to her: if I get involved I'm only going to cock it up, like the sorceror's apprentice calling spirits only the master understands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a worrying tendency", clearly specify what the tendency is and why it is a cause for concern. Provide context and evidence to support your statement for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a worrying tendency" as a vague, unsupported claim. Always provide specific examples or evidence to illustrate the tendency you're describing. For instance, instead of saying "There's a worrying tendency towards negativity", specify: "There's a worrying tendency among commenters to dismiss constructive feedback as negativity, which stifles productive discussion."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrying tendency" functions as a noun phrase, where "worrying" modifies the noun "tendency". Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in indicating a concerning or troubling pattern, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worrying tendency" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express concern about a developing trend or pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's particularly common in news and media, but also appropriate in formal and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly specify the tendency and provide evidence to support your claim. Alternatives include "a disturbing trend" and "a concerning pattern", offering slight variations in tone and emphasis. Overall, the phrase serves to highlight potentially negative developments and prompt further consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disturbing trend

Replaces "worrying tendency" with synonyms that emphasize the negative aspect.

a problematic trend

Replaces 'worrying' with 'problematic', emphasizing the issues or difficulties that the trend is likely to cause.

a concerning pattern

Substitutes "worrying" and "tendency" with words that highlight the troubling nature of the observed behavior.

an unsettling trend

Replaces 'worrying' with 'unsettling', which evokes a feeling of unease and anxiety about the trend.

an alarming inclination

Replaces "worrying" and "tendency" with more formal synonyms, increasing the intensity of the concern.

a hazardous inclination

Replaces 'worrying' with 'hazardous', highlighting the potential risks and dangers associated with the inclination.

a troublesome habit

Focuses specifically on the habitual nature of the worrying behavior.

a disquieting propensity

Uses more sophisticated vocabulary to express a similar meaning, suitable for formal contexts.

a disturbing predilection

Replaces both 'worrying' and 'tendency' with 'disturbing' and 'predilection', increasing the formality of the language.

a regrettable development

Shifts the focus to the outcome or consequence of the tendency, expressing disappointment.

FAQs

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

To use "a worrying tendency" effectively, identify the specific trend or behavior you're concerned about and explain why it's problematic. For example, "There's "a worrying tendency" for students to rely solely on online sources, neglecting traditional research methods".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a worrying tendency"?

Alternatives to "a worrying tendency" include phrases like "a disturbing trend", "a concerning pattern", or "an alarming inclination". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a worrying tendency" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure your analysis is well-supported and objective. For more emphatic situations, consider "an alarming inclination".

What makes a tendency "worrying"?

A tendency becomes "worrying" when it suggests potential negative consequences or undesirable outcomes. It often implies a need for attention or intervention to prevent these negative effects. For example, ""a worrying tendency" to side with Africa's tyrants".