become concerned about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become concerned about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a growing worry or anxiety regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, the team began to become concerned about the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is desirable that not only authorities but also citizens become concerned about science and technology.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

But they also have become concerned about Trump's low approval ratings in a midterm election year.

The Washington Post

However, I had started to become concerned about two other phenomena.

The Guardian

In the aftermath of Tuesday's terrorist attacks, players have become concerned about international travel and security.

The New York Times - Sports

Ward staff have told me that they've become concerned about patients' mental state as a result".

The Guardian

But it seems a bit late in the day to suddenly become concerned about money laundering and tax evasion.

The New York Times

Back in The Washington Post newsroom, staffers monitoring social media were the first to become concerned about Lowery's whereabouts.

The Washington Post

If people do become concerned about the quality of air they breathe, there's likely to be more fudging of data.

The Guardian

"By the fourth grade or so, they start to become concerned about what their classmates are thinking about their ideas".

The New York Times

I support the remain campaign, but have become concerned about misleading statements on both sides of the debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like most feminists, most Americans become concerned about sexual behavior when someone's will has been violated; that is, when "no" hasn't been accepted as an answer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), it indicates concern about an action or ongoing process. For example: "They became concerned about the increasing pollution levels."

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within the same sentence. For example, don't say "They become concerned about the issue and then they investigated." Maintain consistent tense: "They became concerned about the issue and then they investigated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become concerned about" functions as a verb phrase expressing the commencement of a state of worry or anxiety. Ludwig examples show it used to indicate a developing concern over time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

23%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become concerned about" is a versatile phrase used to express a growing sense of worry or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, highlighting its relevance across various domains. Alternatives such as "start to worry about" or "grow anxious about" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure consistency in tense and be mindful of the context to select the most appropriate alternative if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to worry about

Emphasizes the beginning of a worrying process.

get worried about

Similar to 'start to worry' but implies a more immediate reaction.

grow anxious about

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of anxiety.

feel uneasy about

Focuses on a general sense of discomfort or anxiety.

begin to fear

Introduces an element of fear, suggesting a stronger negative emotion.

develop misgivings about

Highlights doubts and reservations that arise.

find oneself troubled by

More formal and emphasizes the internal struggle.

feel solicitude for

Expresses concern and care, often for someone else's well-being.

turn one's attention to

Shifts focus to a problem that now requires consideration and care.

becom question

The emphasis is on raising a doubt or dispute.

FAQs

How can I use "become concerned about" in a sentence?

You can use "become concerned about" to express a growing worry or anxiety. For example: "Citizens "become concerned about" science and technology as it becomes more complex."

What are some alternatives to "become concerned about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "start to worry about", "grow anxious about", or "get worried about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "become concerned about" formal or informal?

"Become concerned about" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, you might also consider "develop misgivings about" or "find oneself troubled by".

What's the difference between "become concerned about" and "be concerned about"?

"Become concerned about" suggests a developing or increasing worry, whereas "be concerned about" indicates a current state of worry. For example: "They become concerned about the project's progress as the deadline approached" versus "They are concerned about the project's progress".