fundamental concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a primary or essential issue that needs attention or consideration. Example: "The fundamental concern regarding climate change is its impact on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Islamic Republic's fundamental concern lies elsewhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

"These aren't major areas of fundamental concern," Mr. Barnes said.

The New York Times

My fundamental concern was about jailing people in secret.

The Guardian - Opinion

But a more fundamental concern yesterday was those two little words.

The New York Times

What has really got up Tories' noses is a much more fundamental concern.

The Guardian

"Now there's a fundamental concern that wasn't there before," said David Scott, who lives in Midtown.

The New York Times

What, for instance, are we to make of Chomsky's declared "fundamental concern"?

The Guardian - Books

A fundamental concern of ethics is the effect of our actions on others.

The New York Times

This fundamental concern should have great urgency for Catholic policy makers.

The New York Times

The fundamental concern of anthropological linguistics is to investigate the relationship between language and culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such machines consume oodles of power, so heat dissipation becomes a fundamental concern.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental concern" when you want to emphasize the foundational or essential nature of a worry or issue. It signals that the concern is not superficial but goes to the heart of the matter.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental concern" in very casual or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for simpler phrases like "main worry" or "big issue" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a key issue or worry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental concern" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that denotes a primary or essential issue needing attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember that while "fundamental concern" is widely accepted, simpler alternatives might be preferable in very informal settings. Related phrases include "primary worry" and "central issue", which offer slightly different shades of meaning. When using this phrase, the goal is to emphasize the foundational or essential nature of the worry or issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central issue

Emphasizes the importance of the issue as the core problem.

basic consideration

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the aspect to be considered.

primary worry

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of concern, implying anxiety or unease.

main priority

Highlights the importance of the concern in terms of required attention.

key consideration

Highlights the need for careful thought and deliberation regarding the issue.

chief problem

Directly identifies the concern as a significant obstacle.

major preoccupation

Suggests a persistent and dominant focus of attention.

principal anxiety

Stronger emotional tone, focusing on the worry and unease.

critical question

Focuses on the concern as a point of inquiry or debate.

core interest

Implies that the concern is deeply connected to one's values or objectives.

FAQs

What does "fundamental concern" mean?

A "fundamental concern" refers to a basic or essential issue that requires attention or consideration. It's a core element that needs to be addressed.

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

You might say, "A "fundamental concern" of ethics is the effect of our actions on others" or "The "fundamental concern" is that favored firms may have been overpaid for assets".

What are some alternatives to "fundamental concern"?

You can use alternatives like "primary worry", "central issue", or "key consideration" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance. For instance, "central issue" emphasizes the core problem.

Is "fundamental concern" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "fundamental concern" can sound formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using "main worry" or "big issue" to maintain a more relaxed tone.