air of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a general atmosphere or feeling of worry or unease in a situation or among a group of people. Example: "As the meeting progressed, an air of concern settled over the room as everyone realized the severity of the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Now, when you show a Libyan passport at a foreign airport, people look at you with an air of concern.

The New York Times

There was a palpable air of concern in the England camp at Trent Bridge this year when Watson's bright start gave the Australian run chase the perfect impetus.

Independent

But he says he has no more to add to the university's statement about the negotiations.Those talks clearly have been difficult given the air of concern on campus about the institute.

The Economist

The Politico notes a general air of concern among party officials, and there have been rumors of "disastrous" attempts at mock-debates and pretend-press conferences.

Huffington Post

Bush always seemed angry and vengeful when parrying with the media or political opponents, while Obama's air of concern and thoughtfulness has always been strangely off-putting to many Americans.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Workers experience the most direct exposure; however, silica dust may also be an air contaminant of concern to nearby residents.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The ambient air pollutants of concern in these studies include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter (PM).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Exposure to these compounds through ambient air is of concern because there is greater neurotoxicity from inhaled manganese than from orally ingested manganese [ 27].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

The cancer risk assessment was limited to 29 air toxics with sufficient emission and risk estimate data; therefore, the cancer risk estimates are not a comprehensive assessment of all air toxics of concern.

Environmental Health Perspectives

It served as a public airing of concerns Romney has shared in brief spurts on social media or privately to friends and supporters.

The Washington Post

The decline during 2016 of the public airing of concerns may be due to an increased focus by companies on engagement with an activist, and often even settlement with an activist, before the demands are made public.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "air of concern" when you want to describe a general feeling or atmosphere of worry, especially in situations where the concern isn't explicitly stated but is palpable.

Common error

Avoid using "air of concern" when referring to a specific, clearly defined problem. This phrase is best suited for describing an overall mood or atmosphere rather than concrete issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of concern" functions as a noun phrase that describes a prevailing atmosphere or feeling. It suggests a subtle but noticeable presence of worry or apprehension. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "air of concern" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that effectively conveys a feeling of unease or worry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing an atmosphere or subtle emotional undercurrent in various contexts. While not overly frequent, its presence across reputable news sources, academic texts and scientific publications underscores its validity in both formal and informal settings. When you need to depict a pervading sense of apprehension, "air of concern" provides a nuanced and appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

palpable concern

Highlights how the concern can be easily perceived.

sense of unease

Focuses on the feeling of being unsettled or anxious.

atmosphere of anxiety

Highlights the pervasive feeling of worry in a particular environment.

feeling of worry

Emphasizes the emotional state of being concerned about something.

climate of apprehension

Suggests a widespread expectation of negative events.

general disquiet

Indicates a state of worry and disturbance.

prevailing worry

Focuses on the dominant feeling of concern that is present.

growing anxiety

Emphasizes the increasing level of concern.

underlying fear

Suggests a hidden or not immediately obvious sense of worry.

note of alarm

This indicates a more urgent or intense sense of worry.

FAQs

How can I use "air of concern" in a sentence?

You can use "air of concern" to describe a palpable feeling of worry or unease in a situation. For example: "An "air of concern" settled over the meeting room as the financial reports were distributed."

What's a good alternative to "air of concern"?

Alternatives include "sense of unease", "atmosphere of anxiety", or "palpable concern" depending on the context.

Is "air of concern" formal or informal?

The phrase "air of concern" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's suitable for news reports, academic papers, and general conversation alike.

How does "air of concern" differ from "cause for concern"?

"Air of concern" describes a prevailing mood or feeling, while "cause for concern" identifies a specific reason to be worried. For example, a sudden drop in sales could be a "cause for concern", leading to an "air of concern" among the employees.