greater worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greater worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a concern that is more significant or serious than another worry or issue. Example: "While there are many issues to address, the greater worry is the impact of climate change on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The greater worry is Goldman's financial performance.

The New York Times

However, he added that annotation was cause for greater worry.

The Economist

And it would suggest grounds for greater worry.

The New York Times

But her greater worry is whether she will have an apartment at all in a year.

The New York Times

A greater worry is the workings of reflexivity within the financial system itself.

The Guardian - Business

But many experts say there is a greater worry about a new war: money.

The New York Times

But the romance is waning in these days of greater worry over brain injury.

The New Yorker

A greater worry is that Russia's aggression might be stealthy, as in Ukraine.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

If that's your worry, I submit that you have much greater worries.

The New York Times

But leaders in Beijing have greater worries than jibes about their aversion to cameras.

The Economist

But it also reflects rather greater worries about the current crisis than the government admits to.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "greater worry", ensure it is followed by a clear explanation of what the specific worry entails to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "greater worry" without clearly establishing the initial, lesser worry. Failing to do so can leave the reader confused about the comparison being made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater worry" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. As indicated by Ludwig, it denotes a concern of higher significance than another previously mentioned or implied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "greater worry" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to highlight a more significant concern compared to others. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to emphasize the relative importance of a particular issue. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for analytical discussions. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly establish the context of the initial, lesser worry to provide clarity. Consider alternatives like "larger concern" or "more pressing matter" for variety, as suggested by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

larger concern

Emphasizes the magnitude of the concern.

bigger issue

Highlights the significance of the problem.

more pressing matter

Focuses on the urgency of the concern.

primary concern

Identifies the most important worry.

major anxiety

Highlights the feeling of anxiety associated with the worry.

significant apprehension

Uses a more formal term for worry, emphasizing the feeling of unease.

deeper fear

Highlights the intensity of the fear involved.

serious misgiving

Conveys a strong sense of doubt or apprehension.

grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness and importance of the worry.

principal worry

Indicates the main or foremost worry.

FAQs

How can I use "greater worry" in a sentence?

You can use "greater worry" to emphasize a more significant concern compared to another. For example, "While there are financial concerns, the "greater worry" is the potential environmental impact".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "greater worry"?

Alternatives include "larger concern", "more pressing matter", or "primary concern". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "greater worry" and "major concern"?

"Greater worry" implies a comparison to another, lesser worry. "Major concern" simply highlights a significant issue without explicit comparison.

Is it always necessary to identify the initial worry when using "greater worry"?

While not always mandatory, identifying the initial worry provides context and strengthens the comparison, making the sentence more effective.