flicker of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flicker of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or subtle indication of worry or anxiety about something. Example: "As she listened to the news, a flicker of concern crossed her face, revealing her unease about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If anything causes you even a flicker of concern, into the bin with it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As the film begins, I experience a flicker of concern that what I'm about to see is something I've seen before a film ostensibly about a relationship, that ends up actually being about a man in love with a caricature of a woman, always beautiful, always bathed in soft, twinkling lights, her nature revealed only through the penetrating gaze of her male counterpart.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Beneath the raw surfaces, flickers of compassion and concern slip through.

Huffington Post

THE change of tone from Iran's leadership leading to a flicker of improvement in Iranian-American relations does not concern only nuclear matters or ideas about the Nazi Holocaust.

The Economist

No flicker of hope.

The New York Times

Cindy McCain gave a flicker of a smirk.

The New Yorker

Flicker of distant traffic: metal and glass.

The New Yorker

Yes, he said, with a flicker (just a flicker) of excitement — did I know it?

The New Yorker

But there's a flicker of hope.

The Guardian

It was the briefest flicker of doubt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I catch a flicker of a grin.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flicker of concern" to subtly convey a character's initial or suppressed worry without explicitly stating intense anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "flicker of concern" when a stronger term like 'wave of panic' or 'deep anxiety' more accurately reflects the intensity of the emotion being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flicker of concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a verb. It describes a brief, subtle manifestation of worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flicker of concern" effectively conveys a slight or initial sense of worry. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to depict a mild apprehension, often used to hint at underlying anxieties without explicitly stating them. While not exceptionally common, its usage in News & Media makes it valuable for descriptive writing, offering a subtle way to convey emotional nuances. Remember to consider intensity when employing this phrase and avoid overstating the worry. Alternatives such as "hint of worry" or "trace of anxiety" can provide similar, yet distinct, shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of worry

Emphasizes a slight, subtle feeling of unease.

trace of anxiety

Highlights a minimal level of anxiousness.

shade of apprehension

Suggests a slight fear or anticipation of something negative.

tinge of disquiet

Implies a faint feeling of unease or disturbance.

smidgen of worry

Indicates a very small amount of concern.

vestige of apprehension

Highlights the smallest detectable amount of worry.

whisper of anxiety

Conveys a barely perceptible feeling of anxiety.

inkling of concern

Signifies a vague sense or suspicion of something being amiss.

touch of trepidation

Emphasizes a mild sense of fear or nervousness before an event.

fleeting worry

Indicates a brief and quickly passing moment of concern.

FAQs

How can I use "flicker of concern" in a sentence?

You can use "flicker of concern" to describe a brief, subtle expression of worry. For example: "A "flicker of concern" crossed her face when she heard the news."

What are some synonyms for "flicker of concern"?

Alternatives include "hint of worry", "trace of anxiety", or "shade of apprehension". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "flicker of concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "flicker of concern" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though it may be more common in narrative or descriptive contexts.

What's the difference between "flicker of concern" and "wave of anxiety"?

"Flicker of concern" implies a brief, subtle worry, while "wave of anxiety" suggests a stronger, more overwhelming feeling. A "flicker of concern" is less intense and shorter in duration.