escalating concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "escalating concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where worry or anxiety is increasing over time, often in relation to a specific issue or event. Example: "The escalating concern over climate change has prompted governments to take more immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The rapid loss of Arctic ice has been a matter of escalating concern to climate scientists.

The New York Times

Since then, the strikes in Venezuela against President Hugo Chávez have changed those plans and, along with escalating concern about a possible war in Iraq, have pushed prices sharply higher.

The New York Times

Last week Nick Clegg used his keynote conference speech to announce a £120m cash injection to improve mental health services and pledged, among other things, to reduce waiting times and ensure better integration between A&E and psychiatric services, an area of escalating concern.

The Guardian

Wild horse (Equus ferus caballus) management in western North America is an escalating concern for ecological integrity on these landscapes.

Rangeland Ecology & Management

As the economic downturn continues its erosion, escalating concern about the role the U.S. government is taking to help mitigate the situation — and the anticipated effect it will have on investors’ holdings — is pushing stocks down.

Forbes

As the economic downturn continues its erosion, escalating concern about the role the U.S. government is taking to help mitigate the situation — and the anticipated effect it will have on investors' holdings — has been squeezing bank stocks, leading several lenders to cut their dividends.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Hunter made the move in response to the "ongoing and escalating concerns over the governance and administration of the APY".

The Guardian

Education providers would be prohibited from using brokers – a response to escalating concerns about high-pressure sales tactics that have resulted in students being saddled with debts.

The Guardian

KAMPALA, Uganda — Tanks and attack helicopters have been spotted near the volatile Abyei region of Sudan, escalating concerns that northern and southern forces are engaging in a mass buildup of weaponry as negotiations between the sides continue to stagnate.

The New York Times

In the last sitting week of 2014 the South Australian parliament rushed to suspend the executive board of traditional landowners and appoint an administrator in response to what Hunter described as the "ongoing and escalating concerns over the governance and administration of the APY".

The Guardian

He also cites blockages in the supply chain, skills shortages and escalating concerns over Iran's possible military intentions as factors set to take nuclear out of the equation.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "escalating concern" to clearly indicate that worry or anxiety is increasing over time, especially in relation to a specific issue or event. For example: "There is an "escalating concern" about the potential environmental impact of the new factory."

Common error

Avoid using "escalating concern" when a situation is already at a peak level of concern. "Escalating" implies a gradual increase, so ensure it aligns with the context. Instead, consider using phrases like "immediate danger" or "urgent crisis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "escalating concern" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "escalating" modifies the noun "concern", indicating a growing or increasing level of worry. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "escalating concern" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a situation where worry or anxiety is increasing over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's perfectly acceptable for use in written English. While not as frequent as some other phrases, it's found across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Alternatives such as "growing apprehension" or "mounting anxiety" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When using "escalating concern", ensure that the context accurately reflects a gradual increase in worry, rather than a static or already critical state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing apprehension

Emphasizes the gradual increase in feelings of worry or unease.

mounting anxiety

Highlights the increasing level of nervousness and worry.

increasing disquiet

Focuses on a growing sense of unease or disturbance.

rising alarm

Suggests an increasing sense of danger or urgency.

intensifying worry

Highlights the strengthening of feelings of concern.

heightening unease

Emphasizes the gradual increase in feelings of discomfort or anxiety.

deepening anxiety

Indicates that the anxiety is becoming more profound or intense.

burgeoning worry

Implies that the worry is rapidly expanding or growing.

expanding unease

Suggests that the feeling of unease is spreading or increasing in scope.

developing apprehension

Focuses on the gradual formation and growth of concern.

FAQs

What does "escalating concern" mean?

The phrase "escalating concern" refers to a situation where worry, anxiety, or apprehension is gradually increasing over time, usually regarding a specific issue or event.

How can I use "escalating concern" in a sentence?

You can use "escalating concern" to describe a growing worry. For instance: "The "escalating concern" over climate change has led to new environmental policies."

What are some alternatives to "escalating concern"?

Some alternatives include "growing apprehension", "mounting anxiety", or "increasing disquiet". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "escalating concern" formal or informal?

"Escalating concern" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and general discussions.