give cause for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"give cause for concern" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when there is a situation that should be taken seriously or is potentially dangerous. For example: "The recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the city gives cause for concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Both options give cause for concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither ourselves, her friends or family noticed anything to give cause for concern," she said.

The Guardian

Still, some aspects of the current downturn give cause for concern.

The New York Times

For conscientious readers and editors, Ecker's findings across the two studies give cause for concern.

The New Yorker

However, while some of the proposed solutions are welcome, others give cause for concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

As for Prince Charles, jubilee sightings of the next in line are so rare as to give cause for concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

But some of the details of how the Treasury handled the summit diplomacy do give cause for concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cosmetic surgery trends also give cause for concern, with breast enlargements and tummy tucks up 30% last year.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kenny Mansally, Chris Schuler, Kwame Watson-Siriboe — none of whom played more than 15 matches in 2012, and none as a defensive group — give cause for concern.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Queen Mother never gave cause for concern.

The Economist

Areas such as Luton, Thurrock in Essex and Peterborough are also giving cause for concern.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give cause for concern" when you want to express that a situation or piece of information should be taken seriously and warrants attention or further investigation. For example, "The increasing number of cybersecurity breaches should "give cause for concern" among businesses."

Common error

While "give cause for concern" is a valid expression, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "raise concerns" or "be worrying" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give cause for concern" functions as a verb phrase that indicates a situation or event warrants attention because it is potentially troubling or dangerous. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is often used in formal writing to express worry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give cause for concern" is a versatile expression used to indicate that a situation or information is worrying and requires attention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in news media and scientific publications. Alternative phrases such as "raise concerns" or "be worrying" can provide variety in writing. When employing this phrase, remember it signals a need for careful consideration due to potential negative outcomes. Be mindful of overuse to maintain a natural and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise concerns

Focuses on the action of creating worry, rather than the state of being concerning.

be worrying

Highlights the state of being worrisome, shifting the emphasis from the act of causing concern.

be a matter of concern

Emphasizes that something is an issue needing attention, slightly more formal.

arouse suspicion

Suggests something creates doubt or mistrust, focusing on a specific type of concern.

prompt anxiety

Highlights the emotional response of anxiety being triggered.

instill apprehension

Emphasizes the act of placing a feeling of dread or unease in someone.

generate disquiet

Implies a disturbance of peace or tranquility, a more subtle form of concern.

cause alarm

Indicates a higher level of worry, suggesting potential danger or emergency.

create misgivings

Focuses on generating feelings of doubt or uncertainty about something.

portend trouble

Suggests that something is a sign of future problems or difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "give cause for concern" in a sentence?

You can use "give cause for concern" to indicate that something is worrying or alarming. For instance, "The company's declining profits "give cause for concern" among investors."

What are some alternatives to "give cause for concern"?

Some alternatives include "raise concerns", "be worrying", or "be a matter of concern", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "give cause for concern"?

While grammatically correct, "give cause for concern" might be too formal for very casual conversation. In such cases, using simpler language like "is worrying" could be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "give cause for concern" and "raise concerns"?

"Give cause for concern" describes a state or situation that is inherently worrying, while "raise concerns" focuses on the act of expressing worry or bringing attention to a potentially problematic issue.