causing concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causing concern" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is worrisome, especially when a certain issue is creating worry or anxiety among people. For example: The rising levels of violence in the city are causing concern among residents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This isn't exactly causing concern.

The New York Times

It is causing concern.

The Guardian

The leaks are also causing concern abroad.

The Guardian

And it is not just criminals who are causing concern.

The New York Times

And it is not just China that is causing concern.

The Guardian - Business

The steadily rising prices in Austin are causing concern.

The New York Times

Mosquitoes' growing resistance to net insecticides is causing concern.

The Guardian

For current year 13s, these divergent processes are causing concern.

The Guardian

But the escalation of violence in Keratea is causing concern.

Independent

But two other macroeconomic trends are causing concern.

The Economist

One of the committee's prescriptions, which the government adopted in May, is causing concern among economists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like "alarming" or "disturbing" if the situation warrants a more impactful expression of concern.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "causing concern" in passive constructions can make your writing sound weak. Opt for active voice where possible to make a stronger statement. For instance, instead of "The data is causing concern", try "The data concerns experts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing concern" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. It often modifies a noun or pronoun, describing something that is actively generating worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "causing concern" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that something is generating worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s perfectly appropriate for use in written English across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, and scientific domains, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "causing concern", ensure that the context clearly identifies the source and recipient of the concern. Remember to avoid overusing passive constructions for a more impactful writing style. By understanding its nuances and usage, you can effectively convey worry or unease in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoking worry

Directly indicates the act of initiating worry in someone.

raising anxieties

Focuses more on the emotional impact of the concern.

generating apprehension

Emphasizes a sense of unease or fear about future events.

creating disquiet

Focuses on a general feeling of disturbance or restlessness.

giving rise to fears

Highlights the creation of specific fears as a result of something.

instilling unease

Implies a subtle but pervasive feeling of discomfort.

sparking alarm

Emphasizes a sudden and intense feeling of fear or danger.

arousing suspicion

Suggests that something is causing doubt or mistrust.

prompting reservations

Indicates that something is leading to doubts or hesitations.

fostering doubt

Highlights the development of uncertainty or disbelief.

FAQs

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

You can use "causing concern" to indicate that something is generating worry or anxiety. For example, "The increasing number of data breaches is causing concern among cybersecurity experts."

What are some alternatives to "causing concern"?

Alternatives include phrases like "raising anxieties", "provoking worry", or "generating apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "cause for concern" or "causing concern"?

"Cause for concern" refers to a reason or justification for worry, while "causing concern" describes something that is actively generating worry. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting the reason itself or the act of causing worry.

What's the difference between "causing concern" and "concerning"?

"Causing concern" is a verb phrase indicating that something is actively producing worry. "Concerning" is an adjective meaning worrying or disturbing. For example, "The report is concerning" vs. "The report is causing concern".