concerning trend

USAGE SUMMARY

"concerning trend" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a trend that is considered to be worrying or concerning. For example, "Experts are warning of a concerning trend of rising sea levels".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Perhaps the most concerning trend documented in our analysis is that of socially prescribed perfectionism.

Harvard Business Review

"It is a concerning trend that there have been 10 or 15 years of mild, wet winters," Mr. Baines said.

The New York Times

In English rugby's recent injury audit it emerged that players are at more of a risk on artificial surfaces, a concerning trend indeed, but the benefits are also clear.

The Guardian - Sport

The growing use of supply agencies also highlights a concerning trend: the number of companies who are stepping in to provide training and professional development and other support services as local authorities have stepped back from fulfilling these functions.

The Guardian - Opinion

The committee said: "In our last report [last month], we drew attention to a concerning trend – a tendency by the Government to introduce vaguely worded legislation that leaves much to the discretion of ministers.

Independent

The fatigue aside, though, Teixeira's 2012 struggles echo a concerning trend the two previous years, in which Teixeira's batting average, on-base percentage, walks and runs scored have dropped precipitously.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Most of the other findings continued to show the same concerning trends seen year after year.

The Guardian

We are only just beginning to witness the manifestation of very concerning trends.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cross-national time series data concerning trends in democracy are analyzed for all countries worldwide since the early 1970s.

Harvard University

The bank was launched after Malcolm Hayday, its founding chief executive, and his team identified concerning trends in financial data, both around giving trends and changes within statutory funding.

The Guardian

Brazil's budget for cooperation initiatives has decreased significantly since 2010, while there have been concerning trends blurring the boundaries between cooperation, trade and investment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "concerning trend", clearly specify what makes the trend concerning. Provide data or evidence to support your claim. For instance, instead of saying "There's a concerning trend in education", specify "There's a concerning trend of declining literacy rates among elementary school students, as evidenced by recent test scores."

Common error

Avoid using "concerning trend" as a generic placeholder for negative developments. Always provide context and specific details to highlight why the trend is concerning. For example, don't just say "The concerning trend needs to be addressed"; instead, state "The concerning trend of rising healthcare costs necessitates immediate policy interventions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concerning trend" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "concerning" modifies the noun "trend". It is used to highlight a pattern or development that is viewed negatively or with apprehension. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis, indicating correct and usable English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concerning trend" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to denote a worrying or alarming pattern. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s a perfectly usable phrase in English. Its prevalence across diverse sources like News & Media, Scientific journals, and Business reports underscores its broad applicability. While its register leans towards neutral and formal, the phrase's primary function is to draw attention to negative or potentially risky developments. To maximize its impact, clearly specify the concerning aspect of the trend with supporting evidence, avoiding generic overuse. Alternatives like "worrying development" or "alarming tendency" can offer nuanced expressions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worrying development

This alternative focuses on the developmental aspect of the situation, emphasizing its potential negative progression.

alarming tendency

This alternative highlights the alarming nature of the tendency, suggesting a cause for immediate concern.

disturbing pattern

This emphasizes the pattern aspect, suggesting a repetitive and unsettling observation.

troubling sign

This phrase underscores that the trend acts as a warning sign for potential problems.

unsettling development

Replaces "concerning" with "unsettling", focusing on the feeling of unease the development creates.

problematic direction

Shifts the focus to the direction something is heading, suggesting potential issues with that trajectory.

disquieting evolution

This alternative highlights evolution that inspires anxiety.

vexing inclination

This phrase emphasizes the irritating and frustrating aspect of the observed inclination.

precarious situation

This highlights the instability of a situation.

risky trajectory

This focuses on the potential hazards associated with the current trajectory.

FAQs

How can I use "concerning trend" in a sentence?

You can use "concerning trend" to describe a worrying pattern or development. For example, "There is a "concerning trend" of increased cyberattacks on small businesses." It's important to specify what makes the trend concerning.

What can I say instead of "concerning trend"?

Alternatives to "concerning trend" include "worrying development", "alarming tendency", or "disturbing pattern", depending on the specific context.

Is "concerning trend" formal or informal?

"Concerning trend" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and business communications.

What makes a trend "concerning"?

A trend is "concerning" when it indicates a potential negative outcome or poses a risk. For example, a "concerning trend" might involve rising crime rates, declining health indicators, or increasing environmental pollution.