became concerned for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became concerned for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that someone has developed worry or anxiety about someone or something. Example: "After hearing the news, she became concerned for her friend's well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Andrew Tavener became concerned for his wife after she did not return from the toilet.

The Guardian - Business

Campbell said Yanez also avoided contact with his national team coaches, who became concerned for his safety.

The New York Times

At the time officials were considering follow-up studies, some E.P.A. staff members became concerned for their own safety.

The New York Times

As Hampson aged, he became concerned for the future of the collection, and wanted it to be available for research at a major university.

Harvard University

Finally, though, the father became concerned for Grandpa's safety and had the tree chopped down; within a week, the old man was dead.

The New York Times - Books

Damien Anthony Peters, 50, was transported from his parole accommodation to Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney's east on Sunday afternoon after other residents became concerned for his welfare.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Anecdotally, we have observed As-induced skin lesions in preschool-age children in Bangladesh, and have become concerned for children who are now being born to a generation of mothers who have been exposed to As for much or all of their lives.

Environmental Health Perspectives

During Barack Obama's presidency, health officials became concerned that, as premiums for ACA health plans were becoming more expensive, some people were starting to rely on these alternatives as an end-run around the comprehensive coverage the law was designed to promote.

The Washington Post

With their victory in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 05, the Japanese became concerned about the potential for conflict with the US.

Wikipedia

When she called out for help, Walden said, Rogowski became concerned that neighbors might hear.

Los Angeles Times

* OTS officials became concerned about IndyMac's strength in early 2007, said Timothy T. Ward, OTS Deputy Director for Examinations, Supervision and Consumer Protection.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "became concerned for", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the concern and the object of the concern (the person or thing being worried about). This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "became concerned for" when the concern is self-centered or lacks a clear object. Ensure the phrase reflects genuine care or worry for someone or something external to the subject. Saying "He became concerned for his reputation" is grammatically sound, but can be rewritten as "He worried about his reputation" to be more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became concerned for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a state of worry or care directed towards a specific person, entity, or situation. As Ludwig AI shows, it highlights the transition into a state of solicitude.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became concerned for" is a versatile phrase used to express the onset of worry or care for a person, entity, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies both the reason and the object of the concern for maximum clarity. Common alternatives include "grew worried about" and "started to worry about". Remember to avoid self-centered concern or lack of a clear object when using this phrase. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in News & Media and Academia, further emphasizing its broad applicability and reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew worried about

Focuses more on the gradual development of worry.

started to worry about

Emphasizes the initiation of worry or concern.

felt concern for

A more formal and direct expression of concern.

was anxious about

Highlights the feeling of anxiety related to someone or something.

had concerns about

Indicates the existence of concerns without specifying the intensity.

became apprehensive about

Uses a more formal term, 'apprehensive', suggesting a sense of unease or fear.

took an interest in the welfare of

Shifts the focus to the well-being and care of someone or something.

felt responsible for the safety of

Emphasizes the feeling of responsibility and care for someone's safety.

developed a concern regarding

Highlights the development of a concern about a particular issue.

began to fear for

Focuses on the element of fear in relation to someone's or something's well-being.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "became concerned for" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "grew worried about", "started to worry about", or "felt concern for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "became concerned about" instead of "became concerned for"?

While "became concerned for" focuses on the object of concern, "became concerned about" emphasizes the issue causing the concern. Both are correct, but their usage depends on whether you want to highlight the person/thing or the situation causing the worry. For example: "He became concerned for his wife's health" vs "He became concerned about the spread of the virus".

What's the difference between "concerned for" and "concerned with"?

"Concerned for" implies care or worry about someone or something's well-being or fate. "Concerned with" indicates involvement or preoccupation with a particular issue or topic. Example: "She became concerned for her son's safety" versus "She became concerned with environmental issues".

Can "became concerned for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "became concerned for" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to express worry or care in various contexts. Alternatives like "felt concern for" could be used for variety, but the original phrase is perfectly acceptable.