be concerned about

USAGE SUMMARY

"be concerned about" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express worry or anxitey about something. For example: "I am concerned about how the economic downturn will affect our business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's something to be concerned about," says Armstrong.

Forbes

Investors should be concerned about inflation".

The New York Times

Should I be concerned about that?

The New York Times

Republicans should be concerned about this".

The New York Times

There is nothing to be concerned about".

The New York Times

"Nothing to be concerned about.

The New Yorker

What should we be concerned about?

Stanford University

And we should be concerned about that.

Yale University

I would be concerned about that.

Cornell University

Should we be concerned about that?

Cornell University

Why should we be concerned about Fujimorismo?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be concerned about", ensure the object of your concern is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example: "I am concerned about the rising cost of living."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "be concerned about". Vary your language with synonyms like "worry about", "have reservations about", or "be mindful of" to add nuance and avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be concerned about" functions as a verb phrase expressing worry, anxiety, or interest in a particular issue or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples from Ludwig highlight its usage in various contexts, from expressing concerns about inflation to ethical issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be concerned about" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express worry, anxiety, or interest in a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. It is prevalent in news, academic writing, and scientific discourse, making it suitable for various communicative purposes. While its register is generally neutral, awareness of potential synonyms can enhance writing by adding nuance and avoiding repetition. Key authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC frequently employ this phrase, solidifying its credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worry about

Replaces "be concerned" with the simpler "worry", maintaining a similar level of concern.

be worried about

Similar to "worry about", but can sometimes imply a slightly stronger emotional response.

have concerns regarding

Uses a more formal tone and replaces "about" with "regarding".

be anxious about

Indicates a higher level of unease or nervousness.

express apprehension about

Highlights a feeling of anxiety or fear regarding something.

feel uneasy about

Highlights a feeling of discomfort or lack of peace.

be mindful of

Suggests being aware and cautious of something.

have reservations about

Indicates doubts or hesitations regarding something.

take into consideration

Focuses on the act of thinking carefully about something, rather than necessarily being worried.

pay attention to

Emphasizes focusing on something important.

FAQs

How do I use "be concerned about" in a sentence?

Use "be concerned about" to express worry or anxiety about something. For example: "Experts "are concerned about" the environmental impact of the new factory."

What are some alternatives to "be concerned about"?

You can use alternatives like "worry about", "have concerns regarding", or "express apprehension about" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "be concerned about" in formal writing?

"Be concerned about" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "have reservations about" or "express apprehension about".

Is there a difference between "be concerned about" and "be worried about"?

While both phrases convey a sense of unease, "be worried about" can sometimes imply a slightly stronger emotional response compared to "be concerned about".