be concerned

USAGE SUMMARY

"be concerned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express worry or anxiety about a particular situation. For example, "As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many are concerned about their health and safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Independents should be concerned.

The New York Times

Should I be concerned?

Independent

"Oh, y'all should be concerned.

The New York Times

Other farms should be concerned".

The New York Times

Everyone should be concerned.

The Guardian

"Well, don't be concerned.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's fair to be concerned.

The New York Times - Sports

The industry is concerned.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, he was concerned.

Independent

But others are concerned.

The New York Times

Others are concerned too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be concerned" to express worry or anxiety about specific situations or developments. For a stronger emphasis, specify the cause of concern immediately after the phrase, such as "be concerned about..."

Common error

Avoid using "be concerned" in extremely informal contexts where more casual expressions of worry might be more appropriate. In very formal settings, consider if a more precise term (e.g. "apprehensive", "solicitous") would better convey the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be concerned" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of worry, interest, or relevance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It expresses a subjective experience of unease or apprehension about something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be concerned" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a range of feelings from mild interest to significant worry. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widespread across various contexts. The phrase is commonly found in news, online wikis, and scientific publications, reflecting its broad applicability. To express similar ideas, consider alternatives like "be worried" or "have concerns", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to tailor your word choice to the formality of the situation, using more precise terms like "apprehensive" or "solicitous" in formal settings. Avoid using "be concerned" in extremely casual contexts, where simpler expressions of worry are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be worried

Focuses specifically on the emotional aspect of worry.

be anxious

Emphasizes a state of unease and apprehension.

be apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of dread about potential future events.

have concerns

Shifts from a state of being to possessing worries or issues.

be relevant

Indicates a connection or pertinence to a specific matter.

be pertinent

Highlights the direct relevance to the matter at hand.

be invested

Focuses on a commitment or personal involvement.

be involved

Indicates active participation or engagement.

bear upon

Highlights relevance to a specific issue.

pertain to

Directly relates to a certain subject.

FAQs

How can I use "be concerned" in a sentence?

You can use "be concerned" to express worry or anxiety about something. For example, "I "am concerned" about the increasing pollution levels" or "They should "be concerned about" the potential risks involved".

What's a more formal alternative to "be concerned"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "be apprehensive", "express solicitude", or "register unease" to convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

What's the difference between "be concerned" and "be worried"?

While "be concerned" and "be worried" are often interchangeable, "be concerned" can sometimes imply a more thoughtful or considered worry, whereas "be worried" might suggest a more immediate emotional response. For example, you might "be concerned" about a long-term trend and "be worried" about an immediate threat.

When is it appropriate to use "be concerned" instead of "have concerns"?

"Be concerned" describes a state of feeling or emotion, while "have concerns" refers to possessing specific worries or issues. You would "be concerned" about a situation, but you would "have concerns" about particular aspects of it.