concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun, and it can refer to a worry, fear, or a problem. Here is an example sentence: I have a real concern about the safety of the school after the recent break-in.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Charities and the non-government sector welcomed elements of Bishop's proposals, such as the focus on female involvement and performance benchmarks, but raised concern over the need to ensure benefits from "aid for trade" flowed to the people in greatest need and reduced poverty.

The Guardian

There has been mounting concern about the UK's use of immigration detention.

The Guardian

While some may say the changes in England have so far only been at the margins, it is the risk of a slippery slope that should cause concern.

The Guardian

"This case has raised attention around the world, with particular concern around Mr Hill's intellectual disability," said Annabelle Malins, the British consul general.

The Guardian

Shortly before the meeting the council issued a statement expressing "grave concern at the continued fighting in and around Debaltseve" and demanded that all parties to the conflict cease hostilities immediately.

The Guardian

It's a concern".

The New York Times - Sports

"That's our main concern".

The New York Times

The treatment of children in church-run residential homes is a key concern of the investigation, which is chaired by the retired judge Sir Anthony Hart and is considering cases between 1922 – when Northern Ireland was founded – and 1995.

The Guardian

There is also deep concern that more than four years after Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup, the country's minister of labour has admitted that there is no set timetable to introduce even the modest reforms it promised in May 2014.

The Guardian

For Herbert Girardet, the author of a dozen books on urban theory, this isn't the most urgent concern.

The Guardian

In a broad-brush speech, which frequently touched on the topic of freedom and Berliners' resilience, he could not fail to mention the concern felt across Europe about more modern-day encroachments on individual liberty, the recent revelations of internet surveillance and US drone warfare – issues which dominated his 25-hour visit to the German capital.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "concern" to introduce a problem that requires attention, indicating its importance and the need for a resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "concern" as a verb when you mean to express worry. Instead, use phrases like "I am concerned" or "it concerns me".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "concern" is as a noun, denoting a feeling of worry, anxiety, or interest. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where "concern" functions as a noun, often related to specific issues or problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "concern" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to express worry, interest, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance in various reliable sources, predominantly in news and media, but also in business and scientific contexts. Its grammatical status is correct, and while alternatives like "worry" or "anxiety" exist, "concern" often carries a slightly more formal tone. When using "concern", ensure you clearly specify the object of your worry and avoid misusing it as a verb. Using the tool to improve clarity and accuracy can greatly enhance the quality of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worry

Direct synonym, implying a state of anxiety or unease.

anxiety

Focuses specifically on the feeling of worry or nervousness.

apprehension

Suggests a fear or dread of something that might happen in the future.

solicitude

Emphasizes care and attentiveness to someone's well-being.

interest

Highlights the state of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.

matter of interest

Indicates something worthy of attention or consideration.

source of anxiety

Identifies the cause or origin of worry or nervousness.

point of worry

Pinpoints a specific issue that causes concern.

area of unease

Highlights a particular aspect that generates a feeling of discomfort.

subject of apprehension

Specifies the topic or matter that causes fear or dread.

FAQs

How can I use "concern" in a sentence?

You can use "concern" as a noun to express worry or interest, as in "My main "concern" is safety". You can also use it as a verb meaning to relate to, as in "This matter "concerns" us all".

What are some alternatives to the word "concern"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "worry", "anxiety", "interest", or "apprehension".

Is it correct to say "I have a concern about" or "I am concerned about"?

Both are correct, but they function differently. "I have a "concern" about" uses "concern" as a noun, while "I am "concerned" about" uses "concerned" as an adjective.

What's the difference between "concern" and "consideration"?

"Concern" implies worry or interest, while "consideration" means thoughtful attention or deliberation. "I have a "concern" about the budget" suggests worry, whereas "The plan is under "consideration"" means it is being carefully reviewed.