cause concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that raises worry or anxiety about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The recent increase in pollution levels in the city has begun to cause concern among residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Two things cause concern.

The Economist

This can cause concern.

The Guardian

He does cause concern with his outbursts.

Independent

Do these things cause concern?

Harvard Business Review

Secondary schools, however, continue to cause concern.

The Guardian

Undergarments seemed to cause concern to many.

The Guardian - Business

Deforestation and hydroelectric dams also cause concern.

The Guardian

And electricity prices still cause concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

The statement will cause concern in Taiwan.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That causes concern".

The New York Times

It is causing concern.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause concern" when you want to express that something is creating a sense of worry or unease, but without necessarily implying a severe threat or danger. This phrase is suitable for scenarios where the concern is moderate and requires attention or monitoring.

Common error

Avoid using "cause concern" when describing extremely dangerous or critical situations. Instead of saying "The nuclear meltdown caused concern", opt for stronger phrases like "raise alarm" or "present a grave threat" to accurately reflect the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause concern" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that something is generating worry or anxiety. This phrase sets the stage for detailing what is causing unease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause concern" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates something is generating worry or anxiety. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While the phrase is neutral in tone, it's crucial to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in extremely serious situations where stronger language may be necessary. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, you can effectively integrate "cause concern" into your writing to express moderate levels of unease or worry. The phrase is widely used and understood, making it a reliable choice for conveying concern in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise concerns

This alternative is more direct, replacing "cause" with "raise" for a slightly more active feel.

give rise to concern

This alternative emphasizes the origin of the worry, highlighting what sparks the concern.

generate worry

This alternative is a more descriptive option, focusing on the creation of worry.

prompt anxiety

This alternative uses stronger vocabulary to convey a higher degree of emotional distress.

lead to unease

This alternative indicates that something is creating a lack of comfort and security.

create alarm

This alternative expresses a sense of urgency and potential danger.

arouse suspicion

This alternative suggest doubt and wariness, implying concerns about hidden intentions.

spark apprehension

This alternative indicates the beginning of fear or unease, emphasizing the initial reaction.

instill disquiet

This alternative suggests a deeper disturbance and a loss of peace.

foment anxiety

This option suggests that anxiety is growing and intensifying.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause concern" to indicate that something is creating worry or anxiety. For example: "The rising crime rates in the neighborhood "cause concern" among residents."

What are some alternatives to "cause concern"?

Alternatives include "raise concerns", "give rise to concern", or "prompt anxiety" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is causing concern"?

Yes, "is causing concern" is grammatically correct and represents the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing process. For example: "The company's financial instability is causing concern among investors."

What is the difference between "cause concern" and "be of concern"?

"Cause concern" implies an active process of generating worry, while "be of concern" indicates that something is inherently worrying or important to consider. For example, "The data breach caused concern" (it created worry), versus "Data security is of concern" (it's an important issue).