a worrying thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worrying thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or anxiety about a particular idea or situation. Example: "As I lay in bed, a worrying thought crossed my mind about the future of our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That's a worrying thought.

The Guardian

A worrying thought.

The New Yorker

But it feels, somehow, as though it has broken apart from the way things have always been, and that is a worrying thought.

The New York Times

But I can't help but be struck by a worrying thought: rather than the NHS being a safety net, nowadays it's as if it isn't safe to be sick.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Swindon lost at Leyton Orient earlier this month, the Italian made top billing, prompting Paul Doyle to begin his report with a worrying thought: For a while Paolo Di Canio seemed in danger of finishing this match naked.

The Guardian - Sport

Bachmann was careful to remind everyone watching that she was born and raised in Waterloo and Iowa: "I always say everything I need to know I learned in Iowa," she said, a worrying thought given that she left the state around the age of 10.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"You misunderstood this!" "Why did you change that note?" And so on – a slightly worrying thought.

The Guardian - Books

For Abdulaziz Almashi, a Syrian refugee living in Britain since 2009, the idea that these attacks should influence British attitudes to refugees is a deeply worrying thought.

Vice

We will include the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A: e.g., "Worrying thoughts go through my mind") and depression (HADS-D: e.g., "I feel as I am slowed down") in DM patients [ 37].

BMC Public Health

"I think the combination of an over-regulated press with an unregulated internet is a very, very worrying thought".

Independent

"Not even myself, and that is a vexing and worrying thought".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "a worrying thought" with a clear explanation of why the thought is concerning. Provide context and evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a worrying thought" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler expressions of concern would be more appropriate. It can sound stilted if misused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrying thought" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a concern or anxiety. It introduces an idea that causes unease, as seen in examples from news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Books

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a worrying thought" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not overly common, it finds frequent use in news and media, scientific publications, and books. Its function is typically to introduce a point of potential negativity or concern. When writing, use this phrase to set a cautious tone, but avoid overuse in casual contexts. Consider alternatives such as "a troubling idea" or "a concerning notion" for nuanced expression. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for various serious and reflective contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a troubling idea

Replaces "worrying" with "troubling", focusing on the disturbing nature of the idea.

a concerning notion

Substitutes "worrying" with "concerning" and "thought" with "notion", highlighting the cause for concern.

a disturbing prospect

Replaces "thought" with "prospect", emphasizing the potential negative outcome.

a disquieting feeling

Shifts from a cognitive "thought" to an emotional "feeling", emphasizing unease.

a frightening possibility

Emphasizes the fear associated with the potential outcome of the thought.

a grave concern

Replaces "worrying thought" with a more direct expression of seriousness.

a cause for alarm

Highlights the need for attention due to potential danger.

an alarming consideration

Replaces "worrying" with "alarming" and "thought" with "consideration", highlighting the potential danger.

a source of anxiety

Focuses on the anxiety stemming from the thought.

a depressing contemplation

Replaces "worrying" with "depressing" and "thought" with "contemplation", emphasizing the negative emotional impact.

FAQs

What does "a worrying thought" mean?

The phrase "a worrying thought" refers to an idea or consideration that causes concern, anxiety, or unease. It suggests that the thought has potentially negative implications or outcomes.

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

You can use "a worrying thought" to introduce a point of concern or potential negative consequence. For example, "A worrying thought crossed my mind as I considered the impact of the new policy."

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

You can use alternatives like "a troubling idea", "a concerning notion", or "a disturbing prospect" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a worrying thought" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a worrying thought" in contexts where you want to express concern or anxiety about a particular idea, situation, or potential outcome. It is often used in more formal or serious writing.