can be concerned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be concerned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone having worries or anxieties about a particular issue or situation. Example: "Many people can be concerned about the impact of climate change on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

That's all I can be concerned with.

The New York Times - Sports

I can be concerned on one hand, and be productive on the other hand.

The New Yorker

That said, the Panthers can be concerned about losing their rhythm in the second half.

The New York Times

"Maybe it is something we can be concerned about," the City manager said.

The Guardian - Sport

Finally, more proof that loners can be concerned, kind and benevolent.

The Guardian - Books

There's no doubt that one can be concerned about grade inflation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

During extreme events, GICs can be concerning even in mid- and low-latitude countries and have become a global issue.

Earth, Planets and Space

However, this can be concerning to users who do not wish their information to be sold or to be publicly available.

TechCrunch

The experience of running the intervention can therefore be concerned as satisfactory.

BMC Nursing

You can see why he might be concerned.

The Guardian

"I can understand why people could be concerned," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing concerns, follow "can be concerned" with a clear explanation of what is causing the worry to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

While "can be concerned" expresses a potential state of worry, it's not always interchangeable with "worried". "Worried" directly conveys emotion, whereas "can be concerned" often implies a more reasoned or justified basis for the concern. Use "can be concerned" when you want to highlight the rationale behind the worry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be concerned" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential, combined with a passive verb construction. This structure expresses that someone or something has the capacity or reason to experience worry or concern. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to highlight the possibility of a worry.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be concerned" is a versatile expression used to convey the potential for worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you clarify the cause for concern to provide context for the reader. Alternatives such as "may be worried" or "could be apprehensive" offer nuanced variations, allowing for precise expression of concern in various situations. By understanding the nuances of "can be concerned", you can effectively communicate potential issues and their potential impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be worried

Indicates a possibility of experiencing worry, similar to being concerned but with a slightly different emphasis.

might be anxious

Focuses on the potential for anxiety, highlighting the emotional aspect of concern.

could be apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of unease or fear about something that might happen, emphasizing anticipation of negative outcomes.

should be attentive

Highlights the necessity of paying attention and being mindful of something, shifting the focus to active observation.

ought to be mindful

Emphasizes the importance of being aware and considerate, adding a layer of ethical or moral obligation.

need to be aware

Stresses the requirement of having knowledge or perception of something, focusing on information and understanding.

have reason to worry

Indicates that there are valid justifications for concern, highlighting the logical basis of the worry.

have cause for concern

Points out the existence of a specific reason or event that warrants worry, emphasizing the trigger of the concern.

should take note

Implies that something deserves attention and consideration, suggesting a proactive response to potential issues.

deserves consideration

Indicates that something is worthy of careful thought and attention, emphasizing its importance and relevance.

FAQs

How to use "can be concerned" in a sentence?

You can use "can be concerned" to indicate that someone might be worried or have concerns about something. For example, "Investors "can be concerned" about market volatility."

What can I say instead of "can be concerned"?

You can use alternatives like "may be worried", "might be anxious", or "could be apprehensive" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "can be concerned"?

It's appropriate to use "can be concerned" when you want to express that someone has a reason to be worried or that a situation warrants concern. It's often used when there's a logical or justifiable basis for the worry, such as risks or potential problems.

Is "can be concerned" more formal than "worried"?

Yes, "can be concerned" is generally more formal than "worried". While "worried" directly conveys emotion, "can be concerned" often implies a more reasoned or justified basis for the concern, making it suitable for professional or academic contexts.