could be of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential issues or problems that may arise in a particular situation. Example: "The recent changes in policy could be of concern to employees who rely on job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In a country with a long history of using the identity documents of the deceased to cast extra ballots, this could be of concern to the reformists.

The Guardian - Opinion

These features could be of concern about the use of practical fuels rich in aromatic components possibly leading to higher environmental and health impact of aromatic-derived soot in respect to aliphatic-derived soot.

Combustion and Flame

"We also don't know concentrations in sediments, so benthic biota may be getting higher doses and if consumed (shellfish), could be of concern," he wrote later in an e-mail, referring to organisms that dwell on the sea floor.

The New York Times

Changes to "promote" pornography, in any form, could be of concern to politicians pushing for tighter rules on online content.

BBC

However, the lower mix of Model S and X could be of concern, considering that margins are higher compared to Model 3. Tesla's full-year plans still remain intact, with projected deliveries of between 360,000 and 400,000 vehicles this year.

Forbes

But putting things in very unusual places and accusing others of stealing them could be of concern.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It could be of special concern for this threatened species maintenance in the medium and long term, which depends on the offspring originated by sexual reproduction.

Flora

Mr. Savage's presence on the board could be of some concern, said W. Dan Smith, the director of the investment division for the Oregon State Treasury, whose employee retirement fund owned Enron shares in funds run by Alliance.

The New York Times

The concentration of Cd in food crops could be of health concern if such crops are ingested.

Environmental Systems Research

This could be of some concern because at large enough distances (>5mm), droplet deflection may become significant, thereby degrading printing resolution.

Plosone

Cardiovascular risk associated with stimulants could be of particular concern in these groups of patients.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be of concern", clearly state what the potential concern is and why it is a concern. This provides context and allows the reader to understand the significance of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "could be of concern" without specifying the concern. Vague statements weaken your argument. Always clarify the specific issue that warrants attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be of concern" functions as a qualifying expression, used to introduce a potential issue or problem. It softens the statement, suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty. Ludwig AI also validates its common use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be of concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a potential problem or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often used in news and scientific contexts to flag potential worries without asserting them as definite facts. For effective writing, ensure that any concern raised is clearly specified and supported with appropriate context. Alternative phrases like "might raise concerns" or "potentially problematic" can be used to vary the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might raise concerns

Emphasizes the act of initiating worry or apprehension.

may give rise to worries

Highlights the potential for problems or anxieties to emerge.

potentially problematic

Focuses on the inherent possibility of causing difficulties.

could present difficulties

Points to the possibility of encountering obstacles or challenges.

might pose a risk

Highlights the potential for danger or harm.

may warrant attention

Suggests the need for careful observation and consideration.

possibly troublesome

Indicates the potential for annoyance or disruption.

might merit consideration

Emphasizes the importance of thinking about something carefully.

conceivably alarming

Highlights the potential to cause fear or anxiety.

possibly disquieting

Suggests the potential to create unease or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "could be of concern" in a sentence?

Use "could be of concern" to introduce a potential problem or issue that needs attention. For example, "The lack of funding "could be of concern" for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "could be of concern"?

You can use alternatives like "might raise concerns", "potentially problematic", or "may warrant attention" depending on the context.

Is "could be a concern" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could be a concern" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to ""could be of concern"". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

What is the difference between "could be a concern" and "is a concern"?

"Could be a concern" suggests a potential or hypothetical issue, whereas "is a concern" indicates an existing or confirmed problem. The former expresses uncertainty, while the latter expresses certainty.