concern for the future

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "concern for the future" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about worries about what will happen in the future, or to discuss the importance of making plans now to ensure a successful future. For example: "The community is showing increased concern for the future, and is working to create a sustainable plan for growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My concern for the future is simple.

Independent

"I have no concern for the future of the Smithsonian.

The New York Times - Arts

That's partly out of concern for the future of fisheries.

Yale University

"It's a big concern for the future," Mr. Medema says.

The New York Times - Health

"It's a sign of great concern for the future," he said.

The Guardian

Interlocutors expressed mild hope mixed with intense concern for the future of the Tibetan movement.

The Guardian

It is good to finally see young people expressing concern for the future of this country.

The New York Times

The spread of sex tourism is my biggest concern for the future.

The New York Times

I couldn't help feeling a twinge of concern for the future Mark McDonoughs, besieged by so much financial psychobabble.

The New York Times - Magazine

While the orchestra is enthusiastic about its progress under Mr. Nevola, there is concern for the future.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, growing budget deficits and imperiled Head Start financing suggest that many lawmakers have little concern for the future.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "concern for the future", ensure that you clearly articulate the specific area or aspect of the future that is causing concern. Providing context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "concern for the future" in excessively general terms. Specify the area of concern, such as "concern for the future of healthcare" or "concern for the future of the environment", to make your statement more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concern for the future" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It commonly expresses a feeling of worry or responsibility regarding potential future outcomes. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "concern for the future" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey worry or responsibility about potential future outcomes. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s correct and applicable in diverse writing scenarios. When using this phrase, it's best to specify the area of concern for clarity, avoiding overly broad statements. Synonyms such as "anxiety about what's to come" and "consideration for forthcoming consequences" can add nuance. Remember, while expressing concern is valuable, proactive planning and clear communication about the specific issues enhance the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consideration of forthcoming consequences

Focuses on the act of thinking about and evaluating potential future impacts.

anxiety about what's to come

Focuses specifically on the anxious aspect of future possibilities.

apprehension regarding future events

Highlights a feeling of unease or fear about future occurrences.

responsibility for what lies ahead

Emphasizes the duty and accountability associated with future outcomes.

foresight in planning ahead

Highlights proactive planning and anticipation of future needs.

regard for posterity

Emphasizes considering the well-being of future generations.

interest in shaping tomorrow

Focuses on actively influencing and creating a desired future.

a stake in what happens next

Indicates a vested interest and potential impact from future events.

long-term perspective

Highlights a focus on distant rather than immediate outcomes.

anticipation of coming changes

Highlights the expectation and preparation for upcoming shifts.

FAQs

How can I express "concern for the future" in a more formal way?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "consideration for the future", "attention for the future", or "regard for posterity" to convey a similar sentiment with greater gravitas.

What are some synonyms for "concern for the future" that imply worry?

If you want to emphasize the element of worry, you might use phrases such as "anxiety for the future" or "apprehension for the future".

Is it always necessary to specify what kind of future I'm concerned about when using "concern for the future"?

While not always required, specifying the area of concern (e.g., "concern for the future of education") can make your statement more impactful and prevent misunderstandings. If the context already makes the area clear, a general statement may suffice.

How does "concern for the future" differ from simply planning for the future?

"Concern for the future" often implies a degree of worry or uncertainty about potential negative outcomes. Planning for the future, on the other hand, focuses on proactive steps to achieve desired results, without necessarily implying anxiety.