focus of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

'focus of concern' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when talking about something that is causing stress or worry. For example, "The focus of concern for many teachers is how to keep their students engaged while teaching remotely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Egypt was a central focus of concern at the conference.

The New York Times

Iraq's 12th Armored Brigade has been a focus of concern in recent days.

The New York Times

For them, he said, the high prices have become a regular focus of concern.

The New York Times

This disparity indicates that segregation per se should not be the exclusive focus of concern.

The New York Times

But the Ship code does not cover the sales process, which is now the main focus of concern.

The Guardian - Money

Although the ʿAbbāsid caliphate was still a focus of concern and debate, other forms of leadership became important.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Industrial workers, long the principal focus of concern, remain a group at high risk due to their excess exposures.

Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals

The charging events of the International Space Station have been a focus of concern in recent years.

Acta Astronautica

The consumer outlook has become a focus of concern for economists and US authorities as the year's peak shopping season begins.

The Guardian - Business

The new focus of concern has involved the drug-coated stents and reports of clotting many months or even years after the devices are inserted.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the statins don't do much for the newest, and perhaps more important, focus of concern about cholesterol.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "focus of concern", ensure the context clearly indicates what the concern is and why it is significant. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the gravity of the situation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "focus of concern" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "main problem" or "big worry" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus of concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific subject or area that is causing worry, anxiety, or unease. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it frequently used to highlight significant issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "focus of concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to highlight a specific issue causing worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for written English and appears commonly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While effective in formal settings, it may be perceived as overly formal in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "matter of concern" or "primary issue" for similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. Always ensure the context makes clear the nature and significance of the concern when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter of concern

Replaces "focus" with "matter", shifting emphasis slightly to the issue itself.

point of worry

Substitutes "concern" with "worry", highlighting the emotional aspect of the issue.

area of anxiety

Emphasizes the anxiety associated with the focus, using "anxiety" instead of "concern".

subject of apprehension

Replaces "concern" with the more formal "apprehension", increasing the level of formality.

primary issue

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the importance of the issue.

key problem

Focuses on the problematic nature of the concern.

central preoccupation

Replaces "focus of concern" with a phrase that emphasizes the dominating nature of the worry.

chief source of worry

Highlights the origin or cause of the worry.

main source of anxiety

Similar to the previous phrase but uses "anxiety" instead of "worry".

principal source of disquiet

Uses more formal language to express a similar meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "focus of concern" to highlight a central issue or problem. For example, "The environmental impact of the factory is a major focus of concern for local residents."

What are some alternatives to "focus of concern"?

Alternatives include "matter of concern", "point of worry", or "primary issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "focus of concern" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "focus of concern" is more suitable for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "main problem".

What is the difference between "focus of concern" and "focus of attention"?

"Focus of concern" implies worry or unease, while "focus of attention" simply means something is being closely watched or considered. The former has a negative connotation, while the latter is neutral.