cause for worry

USAGE SUMMARY

"cause for worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in the context of a serious situation where there is cause for concern or alarm. For example, "The dangerously high pollution levels in the city are a cause for worry for its citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their worrying persists even when there is very little or no cause for worry.

Huffington Post

Is there cause for worry?

The Economist

But is it a cause for worry?

The New York Times

But there is genuine cause for worry.

The Economist

"There is no cause for worry".

The New York Times

It was also cause for worry.

The New York Times

But there's still cause for worry.

The Washington Post

That, by itself, is cause for worry.

The Washington Post

He stressed that there was no cause for worry.

The New York Times

NBC has some cause for worry at 8 30.

The New York Times

Often, when television programmes become films, it's cause for worry.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "reason for concern" or "ground for concern" to vary your language and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for worry" when the situation only warrants mild concern. Using stronger language can exaggerate the issue and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for worry" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something that creates concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a commonly used phrase in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause for worry" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express or identify something that creates concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various sources, particularly in the news and media. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for general discussions, synonyms like "reason for concern" or "ground for concern" can provide variety. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly states the source of the worry to prevent any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for concern

Focuses more on the justification for unease.

reason for apprehension

Highlights a sense of fear or dread about something.

ground for concern

Emphasizes the basis or foundation for worry.

source of anxiety

Identifies the origin of unease and nervousness.

matter of concern

Indicates something that requires attention and thoughtfulness.

reason to be alarmed

Highlights a sense of urgency and potential danger.

justification for unease

Focuses on whether the feelings are actually reasonable.

basis for disquiet

Highlights the grounds for restlessness or anxiety.

warrant for concern

Emphasizes the legitimacy or necessity of worry.

excuse for anxiety

Highlights a light level of tension

FAQs

What's another way to say "cause for worry"?

You can use alternatives such as "reason for concern", "matter of concern", or "ground for concern", depending on the context.

How do I use "cause for worry" in a sentence?

Use "cause for worry" to indicate something that raises concern or anxiety. For example, "The increasing number of cyberattacks is a significant cause for worry."

When is it appropriate to use "cause for worry"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation that presents a legitimate reason for concern or anxiety, but not necessarily panic. It's a moderate level of concern.

Is there a difference between "cause for worry" and "cause for alarm"?

Yes, "cause for alarm" indicates a higher level of urgency and potential danger than "cause for worry". If the situation is serious and requires immediate action, "cause for alarm" might be more fitting.