cause for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cause for concern' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when something needs to be addressed due to potential consequences or risks. For example, "The rise in crime rates in the city is a cause for concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's another cause for concern.

The New York Times

His cause for concern?

The Guardian - Tech

No cause for concern.

The Washington Post

There's cause for concern.

The Washington Post

"That person's a cause for concern".

The New York Times

There is some cause for concern.

The Economist

For preservationists, this is cause for concern.

The New York Times

Some see this as cause for concern.

The Economist

Still, there may be cause for concern.

The New York Times

To some, that is cause for concern.

The New York Times

Inflation is always a cause for concern.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause for concern" to clearly and directly state that a situation warrants attention and potential action due to possible negative outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for concern" for minor inconveniences or trivial matters. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact when addressing genuinely serious issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies something that warrants attention and worry. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

15%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause for concern" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a situation or issue warrants attention due to potential negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in writing. Its usage is particularly frequent in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the seriousness of the situation and avoid overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives like "reason for worry" or "area of concern" can provide variety in your writing while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

area of concern

Broader term that highlights a specific domain or topic needing attention.

point of worry

Directly indicates a specific aspect that is causing worry.

reason for unease

Implies a subtle discomfort or lack of peace of mind.

ground for worry

Emphasizes the foundation or basis that justifies feelings of worry.

reason for alarm

Focuses on a heightened sense of worry or immediate danger.

source of anxiety

Identifies the origin or root of anxious feelings.

basis for apprehension

Highlights the logical foundation leading to anticipatory anxiety.

matter of apprehension

Highlights the feeling of anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

matter of disquiet

Suggests a disturbance in peace or tranquility.

reason for disquietude

Uses a more formal term to describe a state of unease or anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause for concern" to indicate that a situation or trend is worrying and requires attention. For example: "The declining test scores are a "cause for concern"".

What are some alternatives to saying "cause for concern"?

Alternatives include "reason for worry", "area of concern", or "matter of apprehension". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "cause for concern" formal or informal?

"Cause for concern" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and everyday conversations.

What makes something a "cause for concern"?

Something becomes a "cause for concern" when it presents a potential risk, problem, or negative consequence that requires attention and possible action.