concerns are legitimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concerns are legitimate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging that someone's worries or issues are valid and deserving of attention. Example: "I understand that you have some reservations about the project; your concerns are legitimate and we will address them in our next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Such concerns are legitimate.

The Economist

Their concerns are legitimate.

The New York Times

Some of these concerns are legitimate.

The New Yorker

All of these concerns are legitimate.

The New York Times

Civil liberties and bureaucratic concerns are legitimate.

The New York Times

But I think everybody's concerns are legitimate.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

No doubt the security concerns were legitimate.

The New Yorker

Mr. Geithner said such concerns were legitimate and would have to be worked out.

The New York Times

For us it's disturbing that Chubais has admitted that some of our concerns were legitimate but is still pressing ahead".

The New York Times

But other nurses vouched that Mrs. Mitchell's concerns were legitimate, and that internal complaints were not dealt with adequately by the hospital's administration.

The New York Times

Mayor Webb said that he thought the A.C.L.U.'s concerns were legitimate and that it was not the police department's policy to keep such files.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "concerns are legitimate", follow it with an action or solution to show that you acknowledge the concerns and are prepared to address them. For example: "Your concerns are legitimate, and we are taking steps to rectify the situation."

Common error

Avoid assuming all concerns are equally legitimate. Differentiate between genuine issues and unfounded fears to provide targeted and effective responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concerns are legitimate" functions as an acknowledgment and validation of someone's worries or issues. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a way of recognizing that the concerns have merit and deserve attention. The phrase serves to build trust and open the door for further discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "concerns are legitimate" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge and validate worries or issues, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and common across various sources, especially news and media. When using this phrase, aim for sincerity and be ready to follow up with action to address the concerns. Alternatives include "concerns are valid" or "concerns are justified". Be mindful of the scope of legitimacy and avoid misusing the phrase in dismissive or sarcastic ways.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerns are valid

Uses a synonym for "legitimate", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly different nuance.

concerns are justified

Emphasizes that there's a good reason for the concerns, implying a strong basis for them.

concerns are reasonable

Suggests that the concerns are logical and not excessive or irrational.

worries are understandable

Focuses on why someone might have these concerns, highlighting the empathy towards the person who feels them.

fears are well-founded

Implies there's a solid basis and good reason for the fears that exist.

apprehensions are warranted

A more formal way of saying concerns are justified, indicating that the anxieties are appropriate.

reservations are valid

Similar to concerns, but often used in the context of expressing doubts about a plan or proposal.

doubts are legitimate

Replaces concerns with doubts, highlighting the uncertainty and questioning involved.

objections are valid

Highlights that something is questionable in something and deserves questioning.

unease is understandable

The alternative is different in word choice from the query.

FAQs

How can I use "concerns are legitimate" in a sentence?

You can use "concerns are legitimate" to acknowledge the validity of someone's worries or issues, such as, "I understand your concerns about the new policy; your concerns are legitimate, and we will address them during the meeting."

What can I say instead of "concerns are legitimate"?

You can use alternatives like "concerns are valid", "concerns are justified", or "concerns are reasonable" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "concerns are legitimate"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge and validate someone's worries or issues, showing that you understand and respect their perspective. It's especially useful in professional or formal settings to build trust and rapport.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "concerns are legitimate"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using it sarcastically or dismissively. If you don't genuinely intend to address the concerns, using this phrase could be perceived as insincere or condescending. Be prepared to follow up with action or solutions.