basis for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basis for concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasons or grounds for worry or apprehension about a particular situation or issue. Example: "The recent increase in pollution levels serves as a basis for concern among environmentalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Mr. Nasser said today that there was no basis for concern about the Explorer's safety.

The New York Times

In essence he is saying that there is no basis for concern.

The New York Times

Indeed, there is a good basis for concern that such tightening would harm investors and undermine efficiency.

Columbia University

But it could easily be done for a company or institution with some basis for concern -- say, a television network or the White House.

The New York Times - Science

An April 23 letter to the editor suggesting that I fail to see a basis for concern misses the mark entirely.

The New York Times

There is a very real basis for concern that environmental toxins play a direct causative role or increase the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASDs.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

After all, his work pertained to measuring carbon dioxide itself, and other people's work was the basis for concerns about impacts on climate.

The Guardian

BEHIND THE NEWS The agency's annual analysis, issued earlier than usual to coincide with the second day of global climate talks in Copenhagen, rebutted renewed challenges from skeptics over the scientific basis for concerns about global warming.

The New York Times

"There has been concern over the years regarding soy consumption and development or recurrence of breast cancer, and the basis for this concern is isoflavones, a compound in soy with a similar chemical structure to estrogen," Dr. Erica Mayer, M.D., M.P.H., a medical oncologist at the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers at Dana-Farber, explains to HuffPost.

Huffington Post

"I'm not quite sure what the basis for their concern is".

The New York Times

But in requesting access, the IAEA must show Iran the basis for its concern.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basis for concern", clearly state what the basis is. Specificity strengthens your argument and informs your audience effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "basis for concern" without specifying what is causing the concern. A vague statement weakens the message and leaves the reader unsure of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis for concern" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the underlying reasons or justification for worry, anxiety, or apprehension. The Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in introducing the causes of concern in various situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basis for concern" is a valid and usable English phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It acts as a noun phrase to highlight the underlying reasons for worry. While versatile across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, it's crucial to specify what the concern is to maintain clarity and impact. Although "basis for concern" is not extremely common, it is consistently used in formal and neutral settings across various authoritative sources like the New York Times and The Guardian. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "reason for apprehension" or "cause for alarm" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason to be worried

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing the same sentiment.

reason for apprehension

Focuses on the feeling of unease or fear.

cause for alarm

Highlights the urgency or seriousness of the situation.

cause for unease

Emphasizes the feeling of unease or discomfort.

grounds for worry

Emphasizes the justification or validation of the worry.

justification for disquiet

Highlights a more formal tone, focusing on the rationale behind the feeling of unease.

pretext for anxiety

Suggests a less obvious or potentially hidden reason for worry.

foundation for trepidation

A more formal and intense version of concern, implying fear.

source of unease

Points to the origin or root of the feeling of discomfort.

impetus for worry

Focuses on what drives or initiates the feeling of worry.

FAQs

How can I use "basis for concern" in a sentence?

You can use "basis for concern" to introduce the reasons why someone might be worried about something. For instance, "The company's declining profits are a significant basis for concern among investors."

What's a more formal way to say "basis for concern"?

More formal alternatives include "grounds for concern", "reason for apprehension", or "justification for disquiet", depending on the specific context.

What can I say instead of "basis for concern" in less formal contexts?

In less formal settings, you could use phrases like "reason to be worried" or "cause for worry".

Is there a difference between "basis for concern" and "reason for concern"?

While very similar, "basis for concern" often implies a more foundational or underlying cause, whereas "reason for concern" can refer to a more immediate or surface-level cause.