bigger concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"bigger concern" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express an issue that is more serious or more demanding to deal with than other issues you may be facing. For example, "The increasing unemployment rate is a bigger concern than the rising housing prices in our city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And growth is an even bigger concern.

The Economist

But some had a bigger concern.

The New York Times

The bigger concern is eliminating the disease.

The Economist

My bigger concern was for my turkeys.

The New Yorker

"My bigger concern is imports.

The Guardian - Business

A bigger concern involved tripping.

The New Yorker

Pretty said curiosity was a bigger concern.

The New York Times - Sports

Pesticides are an even bigger concern.

The New York Times

A bigger concern for retailers is regulation.

The Guardian - Business

The bigger concern is Piazza's health.

The New York Times - Sports

"Paranoia, frankly, is a bigger concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bigger concern" to clearly indicate the most significant issue among several related problems. It helps prioritize and focus attention where it's most needed.

Common error

While "bigger concern" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main issue" or "major problem" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bigger concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes the most significant issue or worry in a given situation, as confirmed by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bigger concern" is a versatile and widely used phrase for highlighting the most significant issue in a given context. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, although applicable across various registers. When using "bigger concern", ensure it accurately reflects the comparative importance of the issue at hand. While generally safe for use, be mindful of overuse in informal settings and consider simpler alternatives like "main issue". Overall, the phrase effectively prioritizes issues, guiding attention where it's most needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greater worry

Emphasizes the worry aspect more directly than "bigger concern".

chief anxiety

Highlights the anxiety component and positions it as the most important one.

more pressing matter

Indicates a sense of urgency and immediate importance.

major apprehension

Indicates a heightened sense of unease or fear, making it stronger than "bigger concern".

weightier issue

Emphasizes the seriousness and significance of the matter.

overriding issue

Implies that the issue takes precedence over all others.

primary problem

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the issue rather than the concern itself.

dominant consideration

Focuses on the importance of the issue in decision-making processes.

main preoccupation

Suggests that the issue is the dominant thought or focus.

principal difficulty

Highlights the challenging aspect of the concern.

FAQs

How can I use "bigger concern" in a sentence?

You can use "bigger concern" to highlight a more significant problem compared to others. For instance, "While budget cuts are troublesome, the lack of skilled workers is a "bigger concern"."

What are some alternatives to saying "bigger concern"?

You can use alternatives such as "greater worry", "major apprehension", or "primary problem" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "greatest concern" instead of "bigger concern"?

Yes, "greatest concern" is a valid alternative. However, ""bigger concern"" implies a comparison between two or more concerns, while "greatest concern" suggests the most significant issue overall.

What is the difference between "bigger concern" and "more important issue"?

"Bigger concern" often implies an emotional or worry-related aspect, whereas "more important issue" focuses on the practical significance or impact of the matter.