express a concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'express a concern' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe the communication of a worry or apprehension about a situation. For example: "The union representative expressed a concern about the new safety policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"When you raise margin requirements, you express a concern that is telegraphed to the market at large," he said.

The New York Times

Just because you express a concern like that, it doesn't mean that you're a racist or that this is racism".

The New York Times

"You express a concern about speculation, the inappropriate use of credit and risks that it may expose to the financial system".

The New York Times

But Carolyn Dineen King, chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which includes Texas, did express a concern.

The New York Times

Using a strident and slightly sarcastic tone of voice to express a concern that the conversation got off topic, it is interesting to note John's observation that perhaps David Attenborough was becoming a group obsession (turn 8).

Asia-Pacific Science Education

That said, a relationship without dialogue, in which one person is unable to express a concern, is also an unhealthy place.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Later, Lieutenant Flor expressed a concern echoed by many commanders.

The New York Times

Some of his positions were surprising; he expressed a concern for the environment, for instance, and professed a belief in global warming.

The New Yorker

Secretary Perez took a Pollyannish stance when he stated: "Some have expressed a concern that regulation will thwart innovation.

TechCrunch

She told me the walls were breathing and expressed a concern that the strong winds might knock her over.

Vice

Quintero, whose organization provides a number of harm reduction programs across Colombia for addicts, also expressed a concern about the future of those who lived there.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express a concern", be specific about the subject of your worry to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying "I express a concern", specify "I express a concern about the potential environmental impact".

Common error

Avoid pairing "express a concern" with overly general subjects. Saying something like "I express a concern about things" lacks impact. Instead, replace "things" with a specific issue you are concerned about, like "the lack of funding for education".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express a concern" functions as a performative verb phrase used to articulate a feeling of worry or apprehension about a specific issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound way to communicate worries. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its usage in diverse scenarios, ranging from expressing economic anxieties to raising ethical questions.

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

In summary, "express a concern" is a grammatically correct and fairly common phrase used to articulate worry or apprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When you use "express a concern", clarity is key; specify the subject of your concern to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "voice an apprehension" or "raise an objection", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. While primarily neutral to professional in register, it is crucial to tailor your language to your audience, whether you are writing an email or a report.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice an apprehension

Substitutes "express" with "voice" and "concern" with "apprehension", altering the tone slightly.

articulate worries

Replaces "express" with "articulate", emphasizing clear communication of anxieties.

air a grievance

Replaces "concern" with "grievance", suggesting a stronger sense of complaint.

convey misgivings

Uses "misgivings" to highlight feelings of doubt or apprehension.

raise an objection

Indicates a formal disapproval or disagreement.

register anxieties

Suggests a formal recording or display of anxieties.

lodge a complaint

Implies a formal process of registering dissatisfaction.

show unease

Conveys concern through a demonstration of discomfort or anxiety.

communicate doubts

Emphasizes the sharing of uncertain feelings.

signal alarm

Highlights the expression of concern with a sense of urgency.

FAQs

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

You can use "express a concern" to introduce a worry or apprehension about a specific topic. For example, "The community members "expressed a concern" about the proposed construction project".

What are some alternatives to "express a concern"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "voice an apprehension", "raise an objection", or "communicate doubts".

Is it better to "express a concern" or "state a concern"?

"Express a concern" typically implies conveying a feeling of worry, while "state a concern" suggests a more formal or factual declaration. The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "express a concern" and "have a concern"?

"Express a concern" means to voice or communicate a worry, while "have a concern" simply indicates that you possess that worry, whether or not you communicate it.