cause for consternation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for consternation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or event that causes anxiety, worry, or distress. Example: "The sudden increase in crime rates has become a cause for consternation among the residents of the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The likeliest cause for consternation was Ligeti's "Clocks and Clouds," a billowing expanse of gaseous stasis from 1972, partly inspired by early Minimalism.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, Trump's populist appeal and eyebrow-raising comments, while a cause for consternation in many Jewish circles, have not left Israelis completely cold.

The New Yorker

With Japan serving as customer or supplier -- and increasingly, both -- for so many American manufacturing companies, the yen's devaluation is certainly cause for consternation.

The New York Times

During his Presidency, that independence has been more a cause for consternation, as the question became whether there was anyone with enough leverage to make demands of the President on behalf of African-Americans.

The New Yorker

But I hope that New Yorkers will read your profile of his youthful leftist days not as a cause for consternation but as the story of a young person's mature and canny commitment.

The New York Times

But long before work on the "Cavemen" pilot was complete, the news that ABC was developing a show from a series of advertisements had become a cause for consternation in the entertainment industry and the media that covers it.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

And like missing ballots, missing shirts and socks can be cause for great consternation.

The New York Times

Brown's preselection had been a cause for some consternation for some Labor members, who felt he was an unnatural successor to Parke, a former human rights lawyer.

The Guardian

Its presence at the Geffen, where Donald Margulies's fine "Time Stands Still," currently on Broadway, had its premiere a year ago, would be cause for serious consternation and bewilderment if the play did not have a pedigree of sorts.

The New York Times

That date has been much quoted and a cause for enormous consternation, since hundreds of millions of people in Asia rely on ice and snow melt from these glaciers for their water supply.

The New York Times - Science

The fact that even prepaid providers like Cricket and Virgin Mobile got to offer the iPhone ahead of T-Mobile was surely cause for some consternation, but the ability to stock iPhones and a dramatic shift in how it handles its rate plans could mean big things for T-Mobile in the months to come.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the concern you want to convey. "Reason for alarm" might be more appropriate for immediate danger, while "source of anxiety" highlights psychological impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for consternation" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "something to worry about" or "reason for concern" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Cause for consternation functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying something that provokes worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showing how it typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition, pinpointing the reason for unease. The phrase effectively labels an existing state of disquiet.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause for consternation" is a phrase used to describe something that provokes worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI has demonstrated, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral to formal contexts, appearing frequently in news and media. While alternatives like "reason for alarm" or "source of anxiety" exist, "cause for consternation" emphasizes a higher degree of agitation. When writing, consider the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for alarm

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes a sense of immediate danger or urgency.

source of anxiety

This alternative highlights the psychological impact, focusing on worry and unease.

matter of concern

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the importance of the issue.

grounds for worry

This alternative focuses on the justification or basis for concern.

impetus for unease

This option, more formal, emphasizes the driving force behind feelings of discomfort.

basis for disquiet

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a sense of unease or disturbance.

trigger for apprehension

This alternative emphasizes what sparks fear or anxiety.

reason for disquietude

This alternative, more literary, conveys a sense of deep-seated unease.

source of trepidation

This alternative highlights a feeling of fear or anxiety about what might happen.

pretext for alarm

This alternative suggests a less genuine or perhaps exaggerated sense of worry.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause for consternation" to describe situations that create significant worry or anxiety. For example, "The company's declining profits are a cause for consternation among investors".

What are some alternatives to "cause for consternation"?

Alternatives include "reason for alarm", "source of anxiety", and "matter of concern". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cause for consternation" formal or informal?

"Cause for consternation" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. It is suitable for professional writing, news reports, and academic papers but might sound out of place in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "cause for concern" and "cause for consternation"?

While both phrases express worry, "cause for consternation" implies a higher degree of anxiety and agitation than "cause for concern". "Consternation" suggests a feeling of alarm or dismay.