had concerns about

USAGE SUMMARY

'had concerns about' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to worries or apprehensions about something. For example: "The CEO had concerns about the new hire's qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specifically, I had concerns about Ed's head.

University of California, Berkeley

Both sides had concerns about the alliance.

The Guardian

"I had concerns about the strategic vision.

The New York Times - Tech

He had concerns about the hamlet.

The New York Times

"I had concerns about it," he said.

The New York Times

"I've had concerns about this over time," Mr. Gates said.

The New York Times

Engineers at the company also had concerns about the stunt.

The New York Times

"I had concerns about the US's harsh treatment of detainees.

The Guardian

"Obviously he won, but I had concerns about it..

The New Yorker

Law enforcement officials have long had concerns about €500 notes.

The Guardian - Business

"We had concerns about gray market and counterfeiting," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had concerns about", be specific about the nature of the concerns to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "had concerns about" something without explaining what those concerns were. Providing specific details makes your writing more informative and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had concerns about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of worry or apprehension. It indicates that a subject experienced doubts or misgivings regarding a particular topic. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had concerns about" is a grammatically correct and widely used way to express worry or apprehension regarding a particular subject. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a valid phrase suitable for various contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for use in news, academic writing, and professional communication. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific details about the nature of the concerns to enhance clarity. While alternatives like "expressed reservations regarding" or "was worried about" exist, "had concerns about" remains a straightforward and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was worried about

A more direct and simple way of expressing concern.

expressed reservations regarding

Uses more formal language to convey a similar sentiment of doubt or worry.

voiced apprehension about

Highlights the feeling of anxiety or fear concerning something.

felt uneasy about

Indicates a lack of comfort or a sense of disquiet about something.

harbored doubts regarding

Suggests a lingering sense of uncertainty or skepticism.

showed misgivings about

Emphasizes a sense of apprehension or doubt about the outcome.

felt apprehensive regarding

Highlights a sense of anxiety or unease about a future event or situation.

questioned the validity of

Focuses on doubting the accuracy or soundness of something.

felt skeptical about

Indicates a general feeling of disbelief or doubt.

was leery of

Indicates caution and suspicion about something.

FAQs

What does "had concerns about" mean?

The phrase "had concerns about" means to have worries, apprehensions, or doubts regarding a particular issue or situation. It indicates a state of unease or uncertainty about something.

How can I use "had concerns about" in a sentence?

You can use "had concerns about" to express worries regarding something. For example, "The board "expressed reservations regarding" the proposed merger" or "The doctor "voiced apprehension about" the new treatment plan".

What are some alternatives to "had concerns about"?

Some alternatives to "had concerns about" include "was worried about", "expressed reservations regarding", or "voiced apprehension about". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "had concerns about" or "had a concern about"?

"Had concerns about" is generally used when there are multiple worries or aspects causing unease. "Had a concern about" is suitable when referring to a single, specific worry. For example, "They had concerns about the budget" implies multiple issues, while "They had a concern about the timeline" suggests a single, specific issue.