be really concerned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be really concerned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong feeling of worry or anxiety about a situation or person. Example: "I will be really concerned if I don't hear from you by tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

For now, on this subject, that's all Romney seems to be really concerned with.

The New Yorker

"If I thought China was in a freefall I would be really concerned.

The Guardian - Business

"The traditional index mutual funds are the ones that should be really concerned," he said.

The New York Times

Overseas Chinese seem to be really concerned about whether or not this film can be released in China.

The New York Times

You've got to be really concerned about your price points, as ultimately you are selling to a distributor and they are going to have their own mark-up.

The Guardian

"If I were Barbie, I would be really concerned," said Lutz Muller of the Klosters Trading Corporation, a toy and video game market research company.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"He's really concerned, and I'm really concerned, obviously," Manager Bobby Valentine said.

The New York Times

"I'm really concerned".

The New York Times

People were really concerned".

The New Yorker

"We are really concerned.

The Guardian

I am really concerned….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be really concerned", follow it with a 'about' or 'by' phrase to specify the source or object of concern, making your statement clear and direct. For example: "I'm really concerned about the new policy."

Common error

Avoid overusing "really" in your writing. While it emphasizes concern, too many instances can dilute its impact. Opt for stronger verbs or more descriptive language to convey your feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be really concerned" functions as a predicative adjective phrase expressing a heightened state of worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to emphasize the degree of concern, indicating a more intense emotional response than simply "be concerned". The examples provided demonstrate its use in various contexts, mainly news and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be really concerned" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a significant level of worry or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to emphasize concern, making it stronger than a simple statement of worry. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, this phrase can be used in various situations to alert others to potential problems or to express personal anxiety. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the object of your concern and consider alternative expressions to avoid overuse. The many examples provided by Ludwig highlight the phrase's versatility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be deeply worried

Replaces "really" with "deeply" for emphasis.

be seriously anxious

Substitutes "concerned" with "anxious" and "really" with "seriously".

be intensely worried

Intensifies the feeling of worry.

have grave concerns

Uses a more formal and emphatic tone.

be extremely apprehensive

Replaces "concerned" with a stronger synonym, "apprehensive".

be significantly bothered

Indicates a notable level of concern.

be very troubled

Focuses on the emotional impact of concern.

feel a strong sense of unease

Emphasizes a general feeling of discomfort and worry.

have major misgivings

Expresses doubt and worry about a situation or decision.

be greatly disturbed

Highlights the disruptive nature of the concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "be really concerned" to express a significant level of worry or anxiety about something. For example: "We should be really concerned about the environmental impact of these chemicals."

What are some alternatives to "be really concerned"?

Alternatives include "be deeply worried", "be seriously anxious", or "have grave concerns". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be really concerned"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both spoken and written language.

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

"Be concerned" indicates a general state of worry or interest, while "be really concerned" intensifies the emotion, suggesting a higher level of anxiety or urgency.