an area of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"an area of concern" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific topic or issue that is causing worry or attention. You can use it to introduce a problem or issue that you want to discuss further in your writing. For example: - "The rising crime rates in our neighborhood have become an area of concern for residents." - "The lack of funding for education has been identified as an area of concern for policymakers." - "Climate change and its potential effects on coastal communities is an area of concern for environmental scientists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's really an area of concern," he said.

The New York Times

"I don't think it's an area of concern," he said.

The New York Times

This is also an area of concern with renters' insurance.

The New York Times

Without Ben Youngs, scrum-half would be an area of concern.

The Guardian - Sport

The academic relationship between the countries has been an area of concern for senior officials.

The New York Times

"This has been an area of concern to members of minority communities in the past.

The New York Times

Weaknesses were identified in sustainability and planning, and healthcare was highlighted as an area of concern.

The Guardian

It's an area of concern, it's a key national interest that we need to defend.

The Guardian

For now, wide receiver has become a position of strength, not an area of concern.

The New York Times - Sports

None involved alcohol or drugs, but a recruitment investigator singled out Jacob's driving history as an area of concern.

The New York Times - Magazine

Investigators said the bus's roof, which came off during the accident, was also an area of concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "an area of concern", clearly state the specific issue and its potential impact to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "an area of concern" as a vague placeholder. Always follow up with precise details about what the concern entails. For instance, instead of saying "Employee morale is an area of concern", specify the factors contributing to low morale, such as "Employee morale is an area of concern due to lack of growth opportunities and inadequate compensation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an area of concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it identifies a specific subject or issue that is causing worry or requiring attention. The phrase is often used to introduce a problem or highlight a risk.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an area of concern" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a subject that requires attention or causes worry. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, but particularly prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the nature of the concern to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "a cause for concern" and "a matter of concern". The phrase is versatile and appropriate for formal, neutral and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause for concern

Focuses more directly on the reason for worry, rather than the topic itself.

a matter of concern

Emphasizes the significance or importance of the issue being discussed.

a worrying issue

Highlights the troubling or disturbing nature of the situation.

a problem area

Focuses on identifying a specific area where difficulties or issues exist.

a point of concern

Singles out a specific detail or aspect that is causing worry.

a source of anxiety

Emphasizes the emotional distress or worry caused by the issue.

a challenge

Presents the issue as a difficulty to be overcome, rather than a source of worry.

an issue of importance

Highlights the significance and relevance of the matter at hand.

a key consideration

Indicates something that needs to be carefully thought about, but not necessarily a problem.

a priority

Identifies something that needs urgent attention and action.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an area of concern" in a sentence?

Use "an area of concern" to introduce a specific issue that warrants attention or worry. Follow it with details explaining the nature and potential impact of the concern. For example: "Data security is "an area of concern" given the recent increase in cyber attacks".

What are some alternatives to "an area of concern"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a cause for concern", "a matter of concern", or "a worrying issue".

Is it appropriate to use "an area of concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "an area of concern" is appropriate for formal writing, including business and academic contexts. It clearly and professionally conveys that a particular issue needs attention.

What makes something qualify as "an area of concern"?

Something qualifies as "an area of concern" when it presents a potential risk, problem, or negative impact that requires monitoring, investigation, or action to mitigate its effects. It could be "a problem area" or something that needs urgent attention.