concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'concerns' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to worries, anxieties, or apprehensions a person has. For example, "I have many concerns about how we will manage this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Yes, I had concerns about Mr Obeid's son working for the company … yes, I was lobbied, but that's the nature of being premier, people lobby the premier, it doesn't mean they get what they want".

The Guardian

Clinton first addressed the issue in March, shortly after transparency concerns were raised following reports that she used only a personal email account to conduct government business.

The Guardian

Chope asked Cameron in the first question at prime minister's questions: "Can [he] say in response to the many concerns expressed in yesterday's debate will he ensure that civil partnerships are open to heterosexual couples on an equal basis with homosexual couples?" The prime minister replied: "I will obviously listen carefully to what he says.

The Guardian

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has echoed these concerns.

The Guardian

Does he know anyone who has delayed going to the doctor or chosen not to because of concerns about how much it will cost?

The Guardian

Eavis dismissed any concerns about the rapper's chequered history.

The Guardian - Music

With no more than half of women believing that any of the three main party leaders are interested in the concerns and opinions of women, all is left to play for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Related: Climate change is more than an environmental issue | Ed Miliband With 250 days to go until the end of the Paris climate summit, Flint – who was shadow energy secretary in the last parliament – has raised concerns that current plans submitted by countries do not go far enough to stop a 2C rise in global temperature.

The Guardian

The second allegation concerns the nature of the loans.

The Guardian

Concerns about preserving citizens' rights in the age of internet publishing have been heightened by a landmark ruling by the European court of justice which said that search engines such as Google have to consider requests to wipe links to news stories.

The Guardian - Tech

Bennett's keynote conference speech sought to broaden the appeal of the party by tackling more than simply environmental concerns.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "concerns", ensure the context clearly indicates what the source or cause of the worry is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "concerns" without specifying what the worry is about. For instance, instead of saying "there are concerns", specify "there are concerns about the budget" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "concerns" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple worries, anxieties, or matters of importance. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correctly and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "concerns" functions as a plural noun to denote worries, anxieties, or significant issues. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is a grammatically correct and frequently used term in English. It is commonly found in news reports, business communications, and scientific articles. When using "concerns", be sure to specify the source or cause of the worry to provide clarity. Alternatives include "worries", "apprehensions", and "issues", depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use the word "concerns" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matters of concern

Emphasizes the importance or significance of the issues being discussed.

worries

Focuses more on the act of worrying or the state of being worried.

apprehensions

Highlights a feeling of anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

anxieties

Emphasizes a state of unease or nervousness about potential events or outcomes.

reservations

Implies a doubt or hesitation about something, often a plan or decision.

doubts

Focuses on a lack of certainty or confidence in something.

fears

Highlights strong feelings of alarm or dread regarding potential outcomes.

issues

Refers to problems or subjects that people are thinking and talking about.

problems

Points to difficulties or challenges needing resolution.

challenges

Highlights difficulties that require effort and determination to overcome.

FAQs

What does "concerns" mean?

"Concerns" generally refer to worries, anxieties, or important issues that need attention. The term is frequently used to express unease about potential negative outcomes or challenges.

What can I say instead of "concerns"?

You can use alternatives like "worries", "apprehensions", or "issues" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "concerns" in a sentence?

You can use "concerns" to express worries about something. For example, "The community has serious concerns about the proposed development." You can also use it to refer to important matters, such as "Environmental protection is one of our primary concerns".

Is there a difference between "concerns" and "considerations"?

"Concerns" typically imply worry or unease, while "considerations" /s/considerations refer to factors that need to be taken into account. For example, you might have "concerns about the budget", but "considerations regarding the timeline".