an ongoing concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in financial contexts to refer to a business that is expected to continue operating for the foreseeable future. Example: "The auditors assessed the company's financial statements and concluded that there is no doubt about its status as an ongoing concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Of course it is an ongoing concern for us.

The Guardian

Terrorism is an ongoing concern throughout the world.

Columbia University

Security is an ongoing concern for network managers.

MIT Technology Review

Access to dermatologists is an ongoing concern for Medicaid enrollees.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

"We're not being put out in the street," Ms. Mandel said, "but it's an ongoing concern".

The New York Times

De Villiers said: "I think it is an ongoing concern for the ICC.

The Guardian - Sport

"There is an ongoing concern that U.S. intelligence agencies will gather this information without legal process.

The New York Times

"[The Verve are] an ongoing concern," Ashcroft told Billboard at the time.

The Guardian - Music

Winter injury to buds and trunks is an ongoing concern for grape growers in New York.

Cornell University

Network security is an ongoing concern (and one that SDN can help address).

MIT Technology Review

Improving heat pump performance, reliability, and its environmental impact has been an ongoing concern.

Applied Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ongoing concern", ensure the context clearly indicates what the concern pertains to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just stating "it's an ongoing concern", specify "staff retention is an ongoing concern".

Common error

Avoid using "an ongoing concern" without providing specific details. Readers need context to understand the nature and scope of the concern. Saying "security is an ongoing concern" is less effective than saying "network security is an ongoing concern due to increasing cyber threats".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing concern" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It identifies something as a continuing source of worry, attention, or effort. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing concern" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that denotes a persistent issue requiring continuous attention. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is appropriate for a wide range of writing contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources, indicating its relevance in discussing current events and scientific matters. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the specific concern. While alternatives like "a continuing issue" or "a recurring problem" exist, "an ongoing concern" effectively conveys the enduring nature of the problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent worry

Replaces "concern" with "worry", focusing on the emotional aspect of unease.

a continuing issue

Substitutes "ongoing concern" with "continuing issue", highlighting the problematic nature and its unresolved status.

a recurring problem

Replaces "ongoing concern" with "recurring problem", emphasizing the repetitive nature of the issue.

a constant source of anxiety

Emphasizes the anxiety caused by the ongoing concern.

a long-standing issue

Focuses on the duration of the concern, suggesting it has been present for a considerable time.

a perpetual challenge

Replaces "concern" with "challenge", framing it as a continuous obstacle.

a chronic problem

Highlights the persistent and potentially worsening nature of the problem.

a consistent worry

Similar to "a persistent worry", but uses "consistent" to denote a regular occurrence.

a continuous source of apprehension

Emphasizes the feeling of apprehension or fear associated with the ongoing issue.

a lingering preoccupation

Highlights the persistent mental focus on the concern.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing concern" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing concern" to describe a persistent issue or problem that requires continuous attention. For example, "Climate change is "an ongoing concern" for environmental scientists".

What can I say instead of "an ongoing concern"?

You can use alternatives like "a continuing issue", "a recurring problem", or "a persistent worry" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ongoing concern" or "continuous concern"?

Both "ongoing concern" and "continuous concern" are grammatically correct, but ""an ongoing concern"" is more commonly used and generally preferred in most contexts.

What's the difference between "an ongoing concern" and "an urgent concern"?

"An ongoing concern" refers to a problem that persists over time, while "an urgent concern" implies an immediate and pressing issue that needs immediate attention.