acute concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acute concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong or intense worry about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The recent rise in cyberattacks has created an acute concern among businesses regarding their data security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Low oxygen levels are already an acute concern.

The New York Times - Science

Time's decision to settle with Schiavone caused acute concern at Little, Brown.

The New York Times

Here is part of what he wrote: For most Americans, debt remains more of a chronic than an acute concern.

The New Yorker

The result, even in comedy, was memorably austere, combining a wintry poetry with acute concern for social reality.

The Guardian

One group having trouble winning access to treatment is the poor, among whom obesity is an especially acute concern.

The New York Times

A particularly acute concern for the UK government is the British accent heard from Foley's masked killer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

There are also acute concerns over money laundering.

The New York Times

Despite acute concerns about the impact overseas, analysts said much of the damage may happen in the United States.

The Washington Post

There are also acute concerns that Cyprus is a haven for money laundering.

The New York Times

Italy's new government has signaled it doesn't intend to leave Europe's single currency, easing the most acute concerns.

The Washington Post

A second point at which the tension between contractual freedom and judicial prerogative becomes acute concerns the enforcement of what are sometimes referred to as "liquidated damage" clauses.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acute concern" when you want to emphasize a strong, immediate feeling of worry or apprehension about a specific issue.

Common error

Avoid using "acute concern" for minor issues. The phrase implies a significant level of worry, so ensure it aligns with the seriousness of the situation. Consider alternatives like "slight worry" or "minor issue" for less serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "acute" intensifies the noun "concern". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to express a strong or intense worry. It denotes a heightened state of apprehension or anxiety regarding a particular issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acute concern" effectively conveys a significant level of worry or apprehension about a particular issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its ability to express a strong, immediate feeling. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it maintains a formal or neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure the level of concern aligns with the situation's gravity, and consider alternatives like "serious apprehension" or "grave worry" to fine-tune the intended meaning. By following best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, "acute concern" can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious apprehension

Replaces "concern" with "apprehension" to emphasize unease and replaces "acute" with "serious" modifying the level of intensity.

grave worry

Uses "worry" instead of "concern" and "grave" instead of "acute" to convey a sense of significant trouble.

deep anxiety

Substitutes "concern" with "anxiety" and "acute" with "deep" to highlight the emotional distress associated with the concern.

significant alarm

Substitutes "concern" with "alarm" and "acute" with "significant", highlighting a sense of urgency and potential danger.

intense disquiet

Employs "disquiet" to replace "concern", indicating a state of unease, and "intense" replaces "acute" modifying the level of intensity.

profound unease

Replaces "concern" with "unease" and "acute" with "profound", to emphasize a deep-seated feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

major preoccupation

Replaces concern with "preoccupation" to suggest that something is heavily on someone's mind.

burning issue

This alternative simplifies the expression by referring to the main topic.

urgent matter

Focuses on the pressing nature of the issue, deemphasizing the emotional aspect of concern.

pressing problem

Replaces the emotional undertone of "concern" with the straightforward description of a "problem" which requires immediate attention.

FAQs

How to use "acute concern" in a sentence?

Use "acute concern" to express a strong, immediate feeling of worry or apprehension. For example, "There is "acute concern" about the rising sea levels."

What can I say instead of "acute concern"?

You can use alternatives like "serious apprehension", "deep anxiety", or "grave worry" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "acute concern" formal or informal?

"Acute concern" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, appearing frequently in news articles, business reports, and academic papers. It is generally appropriate for professional communication.

What's the difference between "acute concern" and "minor worry"?

"Acute concern" suggests a significant and pressing worry, while "minor worry" indicates a small or insignificant concern. The choice depends on the level of seriousness you want to convey.