grew concerned that

USAGE SUMMARY

"grew concerned that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to indicate that someone has become aware of something, and has had strong feelings of worry, concern, or unease about it. Example: When John heard about the uptick in crime in his neighborhood, he grew concerned that his family's safety was at risk.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Librarians grew concerned that Google wouldn't adequately protect their patrons' privacy.

The New York Times - Tech

The authorities grew concerned that Mr. Hopler, who lost his eyesight because of diabetes, could not safely maintain his collection.

The New York Times

Senior Army officials grew concerned that the lethal dose of the chemical might be lower than previously thought.

The New Yorker

Analysts grew concerned that the bank was too highly concentrated in mortgage and residential construction lending, given its size.

The New York Times

Executives involved in the show said that Mr. Simpson grew concerned that the television-series business was fragile and unpredictable.

The New York Times - Arts

Seeing me writing down the recipe, Carlo grew concerned that I might walk off with the shop's most lucrative secret.

The New Yorker

The metaphor gained currency, Professor Levy writes, as many judges and law professors in the 1970s grew concerned that caseloads in the federal courts were becoming unmanageable.

The New York Times

According to Mr. Gellman, his source went to Mr. Greenwald only after he grew concerned that The Post might delay publication and put him in danger.

The New York Times

However, Conservatives and others grew concerned that a series of judgments suggested that Strasbourg trumped the UK courts on human rights decisions.

Independent

After some calling around, the class grew concerned that it might be illegal (O'Neil had promised that no one would get arrested), so they tweaked the plan.

The New Yorker

He grew concerned that the company's reputation might be damaged by its association with Steinmetz, and earlier this year he terminated the relationship.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew concerned that" to express a gradual increase in worry or apprehension, particularly when highlighting a shift in perspective or understanding over time.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject experiencing concern is unclear. Ensure the actor experiencing the concern is explicitly stated for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew concerned that" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual increase in worry or apprehension. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grew concerned that" is a versatile expression used to indicate a gradual increase in worry or apprehension about a situation. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various reputable sources, particularly in News & Media. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though writers should be mindful of the potential for passive voice constructions. To enhance clarity, it's best to explicitly state who experienced the increasing concern. When seeking alternatives, options like "became worried that" or "started to worry that" can offer slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became worried that

Replaces "grew concerned" with "became worried", suggesting a similar but potentially more intense emotional shift.

started to worry that

Indicates the beginning of a worrying state, emphasizing the onset of concern.

felt uneasy that

Focuses on a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety regarding a situation.

began to fear that

Implies a stronger emotional response, replacing concern with fear.

had misgivings about

Expresses doubts or hesitations about something, focusing on internal reservations.

developed apprehension regarding

A more formal and nuanced way of expressing concern, highlighting a sense of unease about potential future events.

entertained fears that

Suggests the conscious consideration and acknowledgement of potential negative outcomes.

took fright that

A more sudden and intense expression of fear, indicating a startled reaction to a situation.

came to suspect that

Suggests a developing doubt or mistrust about something, rather than a direct concern.

grew doubtful about

Implies a lessening of certainty or confidence in something, expressing skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "grew concerned that" in a sentence?

Use "grew concerned that" to indicate a gradual increase in worry or apprehension about a particular situation. For example, "The public "grew concerned that" the new policy would negatively impact small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "grew concerned that"?

Some alternatives include "became worried that", "started to worry that", or "began to fear that", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grew concerned that" in formal writing?

Yes, "grew concerned that" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a gradual increase in apprehension or worry. However, be sure that this choice of words accurately represents the context and intensity of the concern being expressed.

What is the difference between "grew concerned that" and "was concerned that"?

"Grew concerned that" implies a gradual increase in worry or apprehension over time, while "was concerned that" suggests a more immediate or static state of concern. The former emphasizes the process of becoming worried, whereas the latter focuses on the state of being worried.