a worrying trend

USAGE SUMMARY

"a worrying trend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a pattern that is of concern or worrying. For example: "The increasing number of homicides in our city is a worrying trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This sets a worrying trend.

The New Yorker

That is a worrying trend.

The Economist

This is a worrying trend.

The Economist

Incidents such as this are part of a worrying trend.

The Guardian

This could be the start of a worrying trend.

The Guardian - Business

That is a worrying trend in an economy geared for rapid growth.

The Economist

For those who favour the free exchange of ideas, that is a worrying trend.

The Economist

This could go some way towards reversing a worrying trend pointed out by Ms Gallagher.

The Economist

Ms Smethers described the drop in income for young female workers as a "worrying" trend.

Independent

Rather than decrease consumption people may have saved less.The falling saving rate is a worrying trend.

The Economist

For kava drinkers in the capital, the increasing dilution of the drink is a worrying trend.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a worrying trend" to introduce a discussion about potential negative consequences or the need for intervention. This sets the stage for a more in-depth analysis or call to action.

Common error

Avoid using "a worrying trend" as a standalone statement without explaining what constitutes the trend or why it's considered worrying. Always provide sufficient context and supporting evidence to make your concern clear and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrying trend" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies and characterizes a particular development or pattern as concerning. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worrying trend" is a commonly used phrase to express concern about a particular pattern or development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in formal business communications. To use it effectively, clearly identify the trend and provide context explaining why it is concerning. Alternatives such as "a disconcerting trend" or "a troubling pattern" can be used to add nuance. Remember to avoid overuse without proper explanation to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disconcerting trend

Emphasizes the unsettling nature of the trend.

a troubling pattern

Focuses on the problematic structure or sequence of events.

a disturbing development

Highlights the alarming aspects of the unfolding situation.

a worrying development

Synonymous, differing only in word choice.

a disquieting tendency

Indicates an inclination that causes unease.

a concerning situation

Shifts focus to the broader circumstances of concern.

a negative trajectory

Uses a more technical term to describe an undesirable direction.

a worrisome sign

Highlights the indicative nature of the trend as a predictor of future problems.

an alarming indicator

Focuses on the trend as a signal of underlying issues.

a cause for alarm

More directly expresses the potential danger or risk associated with the trend.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "a worrying trend", clearly identify the trend and explain why it is concerning. For example, "The increasing rate of youth unemployment is "a worrying trend" because it can lead to long-term economic and social problems."

What are some alternatives to "a worrying trend"?

Alternatives to "a worrying trend" include "a disconcerting trend", "a troubling pattern", or "a disturbing development". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a worrying trend" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in reports, analyses, and articles discussing societal or economic issues. It clearly communicates concern about a particular development.

What makes something qualify as "a worrying trend" rather than just a problem?

A "worrying trend" implies a pattern or direction over time that is causing concern, whereas a "problem" may be a more isolated or immediate issue. A trend suggests a continuation or escalation of something negative.