chief worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary concern or issue that someone has in a particular context. Example: "Her chief worry was the impact of the upcoming changes on her job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Opinion

Business

Science

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The third chief worry involves burn beds.

The New York Times

A chief worry is the low-slung crafts' visibility.

The New York Times

My chief worry isn't being gassed, though; it's the weather.

The Guardian

The chief worry is that such people will leave in the general disenchantment of recession.

The Economist

Their chief worry is Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the veteran PiS leader and a former prime minister.

The Economist

The government's chief worry, though, seems to be containing inflation and managing growth.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

For now, however, one of Mr. Bernanke's chief worries seems to have been assuaged.

The New York Times

Perhaps that particular weakness isn't currently among the union's chief worries, but it doesn't help either.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rodriguez-Taseff chief worries surround the far more pragmatic issues of voting procedures and voting practices we'll have to deal with in electronic polling places this year.

The Guardian

But Mark Kroeker, the police chief, worries that word is getting out to criminals that because of four consecutive years of police budget cuts, crime pays in Portland.

The New York Times

As in other districts, jobs and the economy are the chief worries, and Mr Young is adept at appealing to rural prejudices by, for example, criticising overbearing federal regulation of agriculture.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief worry", ensure the context clearly establishes whose worry you are referring to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "chief worry" when describing minor or secondary concerns. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the single, most significant anxiety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief worry" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a verb to identify the foremost concern or anxiety. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Opinion

7%

Science

5%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chief worry" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the most significant concern in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, business, and opinion pieces. While alternatives like "main concern" or "primary anxiety" exist, "chief worry" provides a slightly stronger emphasis on the emotional aspect of the concern. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to clearly identify whose worry you are referring to. Avoiding its use for minor concerns will maintain the phrase's impact. Remember that "chief worry" is a neutral expression suitable for professional and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main concern

Focuses on the primary aspect causing worry.

primary concern

Highlights the most important issue of worry.

biggest fear

Emphasizes the most significant fear held.

greatest anxiety

Stresses the highest level of anxiety experienced.

principal apprehension

Indicates the main source of unease.

major preoccupation

Highlights what someone thinks about most often, causing worry.

foremost concern

Highlights what comes first in the person's list of worries.

central fear

Emphasizes the core fear among many.

key concern

Focuses on the essential element of worry.

overriding concern

Stresses the concern that takes precedence over others.

FAQs

How can I use "chief worry" in a sentence?

Use "chief worry" to highlight the primary concern someone has. For example, "The government's "chief worry" is the rising unemployment rate."

What are some alternatives to "chief worry"?

You can use alternatives like "main concern", "primary concern", or "biggest fear" depending on the specific context.

Is "chief worry" formal or informal?

"Chief worry" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your communication.

What's the difference between "chief worry" and "minor concern"?

"Chief worry" refers to the most significant concern, while "minor concern" indicates a less important issue. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the concern you're describing.