concerned whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concerned whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are expressing doubt or hesitation about something. For example: "The committee was concerned whether the new policy would be well received by the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was concerned whether he could stay on the floor.

The New York Times - Sports

We are not concerned whether or not David attends commencement.

The New York Times

Decision makers are concerned whether to tap or rest Boswellia Papyrifera trees.

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

A debate in the presidential election concerned whether the government could create jobs.

The New York Times

Analysts have been particularly concerned whether Cisco could sustain its profit margins.

The New York Times

So should we be concerned whether the Prime Minister took drugs years ago?

Independent

Most of the argument concerned whether that last phrase included current or former officials.

The New York Times

The only discernible difference of emphasis concerned whether or not Britain's prime minister merited praise.

The Guardian

The bigger question after Woods's blistering start concerned whether he would shoot 59.

The New York Times - Sports

The breakthrough goal had been signposted but the question concerned whether Ireland could locate it.

The Guardian - Sport

Monday's decision concerned whether the full appellate court would hear the appeal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "concerned whether", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the concern pertains to. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the specific source of worry or uncertainty.

Common error

While "concerned whether" is generally acceptable, overuse in very formal writing can make the tone seem overly anxious. Consider stronger, more direct alternatives like "questioning whether" or "investigating whether" for a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concerned whether" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a conjunction introducing a clause expressing doubt or uncertainty. It describes a state of worry or apprehension regarding a specific condition or outcome, as supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "concerned whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey worry, doubt, or uncertainty. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional tone. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "worried if" or "anxious about whether". When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the source of concern, and avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Ludwig's examples showcase its widespread application across diverse topics and source types, affirming its reliable usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried if

Replaces "whether" with "if", slightly altering the grammatical structure but maintaining a similar meaning of concern or uncertainty.

anxious about whether

Adds emotional intensity with "anxious", emphasizing the feeling of unease or apprehension.

doubtful if

Focuses on the lack of certainty or belief, highlighting the questioning aspect.

unsure whether

Highlights the state of being uncertain or not having a definite opinion or knowledge.

questioning if

Emphasizes the act of inquiry and examination, suggesting a deliberate attempt to resolve doubt.

apprehensive about whether

Similar to "anxious", but may suggest a more formal or considered sense of worry.

in doubt about whether

Formalizes the expression of uncertainty, positioning the doubt as a clear and recognized state.

have reservations about if

Indicates underlying hesitations or objections, softening the directness of the concern.

hesitant about if

Conveys a reluctance or unwillingness, often due to uncertainty or fear of potential consequences.

skeptical about if

Highlights a tendency to question or disbelieve, suggesting a critical assessment of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "concerned whether" in a sentence?

You can use "concerned whether" to express worry or doubt about a future outcome or present situation. For example, "The doctors were concerned whether the patient would make a full recovery."

What are some alternatives to "concerned whether"?

Alternatives include phrases like "worried if", "anxious about whether", or "doubtful if", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "concerned whether"?

Yes, "concerned whether" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express uncertainty or worry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "concerned whether" and "concerned about whether"?

"Concerned about whether" is often used to express concern regarding a specific issue or topic, whereas "concerned whether" focuses directly on the uncertainty of a situation. The addition of "about" can provide a slightly broader scope to the concern.