expressed concern that

USAGE SUMMARY

"expressed concern that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express someone's worries or fears about something. For example: "The teacher expressed concern that some of the students had not yet finished the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Opponents expressed concern that the bill violates the First Amendment.

The New York Times

Palmieri also expressed concern that Trump could receive special treatment.

The Guardian

She also expressed concern that officers applauded in the courtroom.

The New York Times

You expressed concern that Morocco's reforms may have limits.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama expressed concern that militants could exploit the withdrawal.

The New York Times

Several neighbors expressed concern that the children are rarely outside.

The Washington Post

Critics have expressed concern that he has no political experience.

The New York Times

But they also expressed concern that time was running out.

The New York Times

UPDATE (12 December): Some of you have expressed concern that your data may have been lost.

University of California, Berkeley

And he expressed concern that academics may not be fully grasping the extent of the change.

Stanford University

However, some women prisoners expressed concern that living in a prison environment would harm their children.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expressed concern that", ensure the subject clearly identifies who is expressing the concern. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

While "expressed concern that" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "voiced apprehension that" or "raised worries that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed concern that" functions as a reporting verb phrase, introducing a subordinate clause that specifies the content of the concern. As supported by Ludwig, it indicates the act of voicing apprehension or worry about something. Many examples in Ludwig showcase the phrase being used in News and Media to state someone's concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressed concern that" is a versatile phrase used to communicate apprehension or worry, as validated by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and wide usage, particularly in News & Media and Academia, make it a reliable choice for expressing concerns. To enhance your writing, consider varying your language with synonyms like "voiced apprehension that" or "raised worries that" to avoid redundancy. Always ensure the subject clearly identifies who is expressing the concern for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voiced apprehension that

Replaces "expressed concern" with a synonym for a slightly more formal tone.

raised worries that

Substitutes "expressed concern" with "raised worries", emphasizing the act of bringing attention to concerns.

indicated unease that

Replaces "concern" with "unease", suggesting a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

cautioned that

Focuses on the act of giving a warning based on concern about potential negative outcomes.

registered misgivings that

Uses a more formal and nuanced term, "misgivings", to express doubts or anxieties.

conveyed anxiety that

Replaces "concern" with "anxiety", highlighting the emotional aspect of the worry.

articulated fears that

Emphasizes the expression of specific fears, making the concern more explicit.

shared reservations that

Highlights that the concern is in the form of hesitations or doubts that are being communicated to others.

signaled alarm that

Indicates a heightened sense of worry or danger, suggesting a more urgent concern.

acknowledged anxieties regarding

Uses "acknowledged anxieties regarding" to express worry while confirming awareness of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "expressed concern that" in a sentence?

Use "expressed concern that" to introduce a statement of worry or apprehension about a particular issue. For example, "The scientist "expressed concern that" the data was misinterpreted."

What are some alternatives to "expressed concern that"?

You can use alternatives such as "voiced apprehension that", "raised worries that", or "indicated unease that" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "expressed concern that" or "expressed worry that"?

"Expressed concern that" and "expressed worry that" are often interchangeable. However, "expressed concern that" might be perceived as slightly more formal or professional. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

Can "expressed concern that" be used in informal writing?

While "expressed concern that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it may sound slightly formal in casual conversation. In informal writing, you might prefer phrases like "was worried that" or "had concerns about."