an overwhelming concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong feeling of worry or anxiety about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The community expressed an overwhelming concern regarding the proposed changes to the local park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Security was an overwhelming concern, although viewed from today's perspective it seems like an idyll.

The Guardian - Opinion

Store security is an overwhelming concern of retailers, but it's one topic that management generally doesn't want to discuss.

The New York Times

Yet the changes to the study visas and post-study work visas are an overwhelming concern for almost every single prospective student we speak to.

The Guardian

But this has never been an overwhelming concern even for Eurosceptics more bothered about immigrants apparently coming to the UK to take the jobs of the indigenous population, rather than claiming for not taking the jobs.

Independent

What would be a worse prospect for Essendon supporters right now; reversing their form slump in the next few weeks but getting knocked out of the finals by AOD-9604 or not even being in the kind of form that makes that prospect an overwhelming concern?

The Guardian - Sport

While the stock could see some modest short-covering support, I don't see this as an overwhelming concern.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But perhaps the best barometer thus far of whether Trump will really be everyone's president is his approach to climate change, which has emerged as an area of overwhelming concern among Americans, and which, in the decades ahead, will transform the fiscal and political landscape across the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

The presence of perchlorate in drinking water sources is an issue of overwhelming concern in United States.

Separation and Purification Technology

Beyond the machismo these occurrences may invoke in many a male, the overwhelming concern is the threat to reproduction.

Huffington Post

Both the baseline survey and discussions held with non-sample communities during the design phase of the intervention indicated clearly that belief in the efficacy of the vaccine was not a significant factor in household decisions; the overwhelming concern was about the costs of having children vaccinated.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The Democrats are in deep, deep trouble because they have not effectively addressed the overwhelming concern of working men and women: an economy that is too weak to provide the jobs they need to support themselves and their families.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an overwhelming concern", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the worry. Providing specific details can strengthen your message and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming concern" when the situation warrants a milder expression. Ensure the magnitude of the concern aligns with the gravity of the issue to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific issue or situation that is causing a high degree of worry or anxiety. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming concern" is a valid and frequently used phrase in English, indicating a significant level of worry or anxiety about a specific issue. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and is found across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and business documents. Its primary function is to emphasize the importance and potential impact of the concern, suitable for both formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what is causing the worry and that the magnitude of the concern aligns with the gravity of the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chief concern

Highlights that the concern is the most important.

a major preoccupation

Emphasizes the extent to which something dominates one's thoughts or actions.

a paramount worry

Highlights that the concern is the most important and overrides others.

a pressing anxiety

Indicates a sense of urgency and immediate need to address the concern.

a significant apprehension

Focuses on the feeling of unease or fear about a potential outcome.

a considerable fear

Highlights the element of fear associated with the concern.

a dominating issue

Emphasizes the power and control the concern has over a situation.

a primary focus

Highlights that the concern is central and receives the most attention.

a grave matter

Indicates the serious and significant nature of the concern.

a substantial preoccupation

Emphasizes the significant level of attention the concern receives.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overwhelming concern" to express significant worry or anxiety about something. For example, "The lack of funding is "an overwhelming concern" for the research team".

What are some alternatives to "an overwhelming concern"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a major preoccupation", "a chief concern", or "a paramount worry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "an overwhelming concern" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying a serious issue. However, ensure your tone matches the context and that the severity of the concern is accurately reflected.

What makes "an overwhelming concern" different from "a slight worry"?

"An overwhelming concern" implies a significant and potentially debilitating level of worry, while "a slight worry" suggests a minor or easily manageable concern. The key difference lies in the intensity and impact of the concern.