defuse concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defuse concerns" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to alleviate or reduce worries or anxieties about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The manager held a meeting to defuse concerns about the recent changes in company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The White House scrambles to defuse concerns that the stimulus isn't working.

The New Yorker

Mr. Putin has sought to defuse concerns about the investigation, but faces questions at home and abroad.

The New York Times

The Bush administration tried to defuse concerns that the weak jobs numbers hinted at a wider economic slowdown.

The New York Times

Mr. McCain has sought to defuse concerns about the safety of reactors by noting his own service aboard the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the Enterprise.

The New York Times

At the Pentagon, Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sought to defuse concerns about the agreement.

The New York Times

Frist is now the target of a probe by the Securities and Exchange Commission, although he insists that he did nothing wrong, and that he sold the shares to defuse concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Mitt Romney will address head-on suspicions about his Mormon faith in a speech he plans to deliver Thursday in Texas, not far from where John F. Kennedy delivered an address nearly 50 years ago that many credit with defusing concerns about his Catholic faith in his election.

The New York Times

I suspected he might have more difficulty defusing concern that he is becoming indebted to powerful donors — some of the very same "people that can afford to influence the government," whom he disparaged in his speech at St . Christopher

The New Yorker

But under the slogan "UniF1ed — One Nation in Celebration," the local organizer of the race — the government — has sought to promote unity and defuse security concerns.

The New York Times - Sports

Administration officials have worked hard to defuse such concerns, speaking of their intention to raise difficult issues with the Burmese authorities.

The Guardian

Moreover, Dr. Dean must carefully calibrate his message to rouse his core supporters and and also to defuse any concerns about his temperament among the undecided.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defuse concerns" when you want to convey a sense of actively addressing and reducing anxieties or worries, often in a proactive or strategic manner. It's particularly useful in contexts involving leadership, public relations, or crisis management.

Common error

Avoid using "defuse concerns" in overly casual or informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "ease worries" or "calm fears" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "defuse concerns" is as a verb phrase. It typically describes an action taken to alleviate or reduce anxieties. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defuse concerns" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes the action of alleviating or reducing anxieties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While not overly common, it's frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. Alternatives such as "allay fears" or "ease worries" can be used in more informal settings. The phrase serves to reassure and build confidence, making it a valuable tool in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allay fears

Focuses on reducing fear specifically, rather than general concerns.

ease worries

Emphasizes the act of making someone feel less worried.

calm anxieties

Highlights the act of soothing anxieties, often in a more psychological context.

mitigate apprehension

A more formal alternative that suggests lessening feelings of apprehension.

assuage doubts

Focuses on relieving doubts or uncertainties.

quell unease

Implies suppressing feelings of unease or discomfort.

dispel reservations

Suggests actively driving away or eliminating reservations.

soothe misgivings

Highlights the act of calming feelings of doubt or apprehension.

temper skepticism

Focuses on moderating or reducing feelings of doubt or disbelief.

moderate worries

Suggests reducing the intensity of worries.

FAQs

How can I use "defuse concerns" in a sentence?

You can use "defuse concerns" to describe actions taken to alleviate worries or anxieties, such as: "The company issued a statement to defuse concerns about product safety".

What are some alternatives to "defuse concerns"?

Alternatives include "allay fears", "ease worries", or "calm anxieties", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "defuse concerns" formal or informal?

"Defuse concerns" leans towards the formal side, often appearing in news reports, business communications, and official statements. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "defuse concerns" and "address concerns"?

"Address concerns" means to acknowledge and deal with issues, while "defuse concerns" implies actively reducing the intensity of worry or anxiety associated with those issues. Defusing suggests a calming or pacifying effect.