fleeting concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a worry or anxiety that is temporary or not deeply felt. Example: "Her fleeting concern about the project's outcome quickly faded as she received positive feedback from her team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The younger Murray's only fleeting concern arrived at 40-15 Tsonganga in the 11th game of the third set, when he fell heavily behind the baseline after hitting a return, rolled on to his front and clutched his groin.

The Guardian - Sport

For many who come to play Proteus, they may question whether it's a game at all, for here is a creation without explicit goals and where interaction is of but fleeting concern.

The Guardian - Tech

The highlight of his career, he said, was being able to listen to astronauts on a mission, and he recalled the fleeting "concern" in the voices of the Apollo 10 crew members in May 1969 as they scoped out the moon in anticipation of the first landing by Apollo 11 that summer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These are fleeting concerns, however, for which we are more than compensated by the countless word pictures he draws.

The New York Times - Books

In my 40s, I began to have fleeting concerns.

Huffington Post

Conyers, who spent a few hours at Maryland Shock Trauma Center before being released, said it was the first concussion he had suffered playing football and he had some fleeting concerns about his future.

Los Angeles Times

A futile gesture, said the Manual teachers, who predicted many dropouts and fleeting public concern.

The New Yorker

There was only one fleeting moment of concern when Root, backing up, might have been run out had Stokes' return drive brushed Morne Morkel's hand on the way to the stumps.

Independent

The scope of moral evaluation should not reduced or limited to concern with (fleeting and momentary) acts of will modelled after legal paradigms.

SEP

For everyone except over-caffeinated professional day-trader type investors, the daily close of the Dow is a snapshot of a fleeting moment, not worthy of concern for any rational long-term investor.

Huffington Post

According to Avent's account, Flanagan was more concerned with his fleeting looks than with racism.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting concern" when you want to convey that a worry or apprehension is not long-lasting or deeply felt. This can be useful in describing minor setbacks or quickly resolved issues.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting concern" to describe major or long-lasting issues. This can downplay the importance of the situation and may be perceived as insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting concern" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "fleeting" modifies the noun "concern". It describes a type of worry or apprehension that is temporary or short-lived. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting concern" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a short-lived worry or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily understandable and acceptable in English. Its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you aim to convey a minor, temporary issue rather than a significant problem. Alternatives like "momentary worry" or "brief anxiety" can offer similar meanings. Be cautious not to use it in situations where the concern is actually serious, as it can minimize the impact of the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

momentary worry

Focuses on the brief duration of the concern, similar to "fleeting".

passing apprehension

Highlights the transient nature of the apprehension.

brief anxiety

Emphasizes the short-lived feeling of anxiety.

temporary disquiet

Indicates a short period of unease or worry.

short-lived worry

Directly conveys the temporary nature of the worry.

superficial concern

Indicates that the concern is not deeply felt or serious.

minor misgiving

Suggests a slight feeling of doubt or unease.

slight trepidation

Emphasizes a mild feeling of fear or anxiety about what might happen.

ephemeral worry

Uses a more formal term to denote the transient nature of the worry.

transient anxiety

Highlights the temporary nature of the anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "fleeting concern" to describe a worry that doesn't last long. For example, "He had a "fleeting concern" about the project's deadline, but quickly realized he was on schedule".

What are some alternatives to "fleeting concern"?

Alternatives include "momentary worry", "passing apprehension", or "brief anxiety". Each emphasizes the temporary nature of the worry.

Is it appropriate to use "fleeting concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "fleeting concern" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing minor or temporary worries. However, consider the context and ensure it doesn't downplay a serious issue.

What's the difference between "fleeting concern" and "deep anxiety"?

"Fleeting concern" describes a short-lived, minor worry, while "deep anxiety" indicates a significant and persistent state of worry or unease. The former is temporary, while the latter is more profound and enduring.