actual concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actual concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a genuine or real issue that is causing worry or anxiety. Example: "The report highlighted the actual concern regarding the safety of the building's structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Atmospheric dispersion pollution modelling is of great and actual concern in the scientific international community.

Energy Procedia

Russia's conduct is "not based on actual concern for Russian nationals or Russian speakers... but Russian seeking to exert force on a neighboring country," Obama said.

The Guardian

"People worry about a lot of things that, when we use the products, don't turn out to be an actual concern," Mr. Page said.

The New York Times

The broader public reception has been almost entirely 140-character limited, which makes it tricky to discern between (a) pleasant well-wishing and (b) actual concern for my mental health.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now, with another N.B.A. regular season beginning today, the issue still rages, with ramifications that go directly to the heart of whether any professional sports league has actual concern for its athletes beyond a smokescreen of clever spin.

The New York Times

To read: For Mother Jones, Mac McClelland goes undercover, working at a company that fulfills online-shopping orders: By the fourth morning that I drag myself out of bed long before dawn, my self-pity has turned into actual concern.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

His answer reflects his actual concerns.

The New York Times - Magazine

Brac conducted a survey to identify villagers' actual concerns.

The Guardian

"We're very detached from the actual concerns that come with the rest of the design pipeline," said Van Dijk.

The Guardian - Tech

Fortuyn did something similar by reflecting people's actual concerns, fracturing traditional distinctions between left- and rightwing politics.

The Guardian

I hope that when we meet next week the bank will acknowledge our actual concerns, rather than what they would like our concerns to be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "actual concern", ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for the concern to avoid ambiguity. Provide specific details or examples to strengthen the validity of the concern.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the severity of the "actual concern". Clearly articulate the potential impact and avoid using hyperbole, which could undermine the credibility of your statement. Instead, focus on objective facts and potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual concern" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific issue or problem causing worry. It emphasizes the reality and validity of the concern. Ludwig shows that it's often used to highlight genuine issues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actual concern" is used to highlight a genuine worry or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the reality and importance of a specific issue. While not overly common, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly supports the concern with specific details and avoid exaggeration to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "genuine worry" or "real issue" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine worry

Focuses on the sincerity and authenticity of the concern.

real issue

Highlights that the concern is based on a tangible problem.

legitimate anxiety

Emphasizes the validity and justification of the anxious feeling.

valid apprehension

Suggests a well-founded and reasonable fear or concern.

true misgiving

Indicates a genuine feeling of doubt or unease.

substantive worry

Focuses on the significant and meaningful nature of the worry.

tangible concern

Emphasizes that the concern is related to something concrete and measurable.

realistic fear

Highlights the practicality and basis in reality of the fear.

bona fide anxiety

Stresses the good faith and genuineness of the anxiety.

veritable worry

Emphasizes the truth and reality of the worry.

FAQs

How can I use "actual concern" in a sentence?

Use "actual concern" to highlight a genuine and pressing issue. For instance, "There is an actual concern about the environmental impact of the new factory."

What are some alternatives to "actual concern"?

You can use alternatives like "genuine worry", "real issue", or "legitimate anxiety" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "actual concern"? Can't a concern always be assumed to be real?

While "concern" often implies a degree of seriousness, using "actual concern" can emphasize that the worry is not hypothetical or trivial but based on concrete evidence or experience. It clarifies that the concern is well-founded.

What is the difference between "actual concern" and "potential concern"?

"Actual concern" refers to a present worry based on existing circumstances, while "potential concern" refers to a possible worry that may arise in the future. One is happening now, the other is still only hypothetical.