become concerned for

USAGE SUMMARY

'become concerned for' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are worried or anxious about a particular situation or person. For example, "She became concerned for her son's wellbeing when he did not return home on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 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

Hughes's body was discovered by her daughter, who had become concerned for her wellbeing after she had not been able to contact her, the court heard.

The Guardian

The Labour leader said that his three sons had become concerned for his wellbeing after hearing on social media about the incident at a north London mosque.

The Times

In November 1909, having become concerned for the lack of suitable wives for her graduates, she opened the Martha Berry School for Girls on the same work-study basis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This caused members of the workforce to become concerned for their personal safety, frustrated we were not leading them, and, to be honest, they became angry.

Forbes

One can easily become concerned for Derrick.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Contrary to our original, views, we have become concerned that suffrage for this group of Americans is a matter of simple justice.

The New York Times

Since those records, more traders and market analysts have become concerned that corporate profits for the second quarter would be below expectations, proving that the economy was lackluster.

The New York Times

The West may become concerned about measures that, for example, undermine judicial independence.

Huffington Post

I had no temporal awareness and in the middle of a conversation with someone I'd suddenly not know who they were and become concerned that I'd be late for school unless I stopped talking". Several sessions with a psychiatrist got him back to work but there were periodic episodes over the years until, in 1980, he says, "it was as if the lights were turned down and I lost all sense of worth".

The Guardian - Books

It's difficult for people to become concerned about abstractions, about statistics, and future consequences are hard to accurately predict.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become concerned for" to express a developing sense of worry or responsibility towards someone or something. It implies a gradual shift in feeling, rather than a sudden onset of fear.

Common error

Avoid using "become concerned about" as a direct substitute for "become concerned for" in all contexts. While similar, "concerned for" often implies a sense of responsibility or care for the well-being of someone or something, whereas "concerned about" can refer to more general issues or situations. Choose the preposition that best reflects the nuance you intend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become concerned for" functions as a linking verb phrase indicating a change in emotional state towards a specific person or entity. It suggests the subject is developing a sense of worry or care, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become concerned for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the development of worry or care for someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively uncommon, it's found across various sources, including news and media outlets, encyclopedias and scientific publications. When writing, remember that "concerned for" indicates a direct caring relationship, as opposed to the more general "concerned about". While its frequency is limited, and more formal options exist, "become concerned for" remains a valid and understandable way to express increasing solicitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow anxious about

Emphasizes the development of anxiety, differing from a general concern.

get worried about

A more informal alternative, focusing on the emotional aspect of worry.

start worrying about

Highlights the initiation of worry, slightly more emotional than "become concerned".

develop apprehension for

Uses a more formal term, 'apprehension', suggesting a stronger sense of unease.

begin to fear for

Introduces an element of fear, indicating a higher level of concern.

feel unease regarding

Expresses a subtle discomfort or worry, less intense than "become concerned".

show solicitude towards

Implies caring and attentiveness, highlighting kindness and care instead of worry.

turn one's attention to

Shifts the focus to active observation and consideration, not necessarily worry.

pay more attention to

Indicates an increased focus, which could stem from concern, but isn't inherently negative.

take an interest in

Suggests curiosity or a desire to know more, rather than worry or concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "become concerned for" to describe a growing sense of worry or responsibility. For example, "The community "became concerned for" the safety of the children after the recent incidents."

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

"Become concerned for" often implies a direct caring relationship or responsibility towards someone or something. "Become concerned about", on the other hand, is used for more general subjects or situations. Consider: "She "became concerned for" her aging mother" versus "She "became concerned about" the rising cost of living."

What are some alternatives to "become concerned for"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "grow anxious about", "start worrying about", or "develop apprehension for" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it always appropriate to use "become concerned for" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "become concerned for" might be perceived as slightly informal in highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "develop apprehension for" or rephrasing the sentence for increased formality.