harbor concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'harbor concerns' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing worries or fears about something. For example, "I harbor concerns about the possible environmental impacts of this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

E.U. officials also harbor concerns about Britain, which has long been extremely wary of submitting its citizens to tax rules overseen by Brussels.

The New York Times

NEW JERSEY Voters across the country harbor concerns about progress in Iraq, but are uncomfortable with the notion of breaking faith with the president in wartime.

The New York Times

Some refugees themselves harbor concerns that the Iranians will foment armed unrest against the American occupation forces by using the Badr Brigades.

The New York Times

European officials also harbor concerns about the extent to which the island country, with its low taxes and lax bank regulation, has become a hub for Russian influence and for money laundering.

The New York Times

Also, some administration lawyers harbor concerns that the authorization for the use of military force approved soon after 9/11 does not extend to justify the continued use of force against the Taliban.

The Washington Post

A person familiar with the machines, who has done contract work for the TSA and therefore spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the agency may harbor concerns about the radiation danger that contributed to this week's decision.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

One company's experience in offering an attractive benefit -- the four-day workweek -- to a small group of employees may help explain the doubts that many managers harbor concerning employer of choice.

The New York Times

And yet even those who harbor concern mostly refuse to buy into the meme that a progressive city government would inevitably result in a New York of crack dens and subway muggings.

The New York Times

If you're harboring concerns about loyalty at your organization, take a look to see that you're holding up your end of the bargain.

Harvard Business Review

Team evaluators had harbored concerns over Foster since he came out of Alabama, and he slid to the 31st overall pick owing to concerns about his health and, more pressing, behavioral issues.

The Washington Post

Despite harboring concerns about militants in Afghanistan for decades, China has been loath to be seen as siding with any party in the conflict, much less to put boots on the ground.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harbor concerns" to express a lingering or underlying worry, not just a fleeting thought. This implies a deeper, more sustained level of anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "harbor concerns" for trivial matters. The verb 'harbor' suggests a significant, deeply felt worry, not a minor inconvenience or passing thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harbor concerns" functions as a verb phrase, where 'harbor' acts as a transitive verb taking 'concerns' as its object. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harbor concerns" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing worry or apprehension, particularly in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's more formal than simpler alternatives like "worry about" and suggests a deeper, more persistent unease. Use it to convey a significant, underlying anxiety, and avoid using it for trivial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have fears

Directly expresses having anxieties or worries.

worry about

Directly indicates concern and anxiety regarding a specific issue.

have misgivings

Emphasizes a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

have reservations

Implies holding back full agreement or support due to certain hesitations.

entertain doubts

Highlights the act of considering and holding uncertainties about something.

feel apprehensive

Highlights a sense of fear or dread about future events.

feel anxious

Focuses on the emotional state of unease and worry.

be wary of

Emphasizes caution and distrust towards something or someone.

be suspicious of

Indicates a lack of trust and a belief that something may be wrong.

take a dim view of

Expresses disapproval or pessimism about something.

FAQs

How can I use "harbor concerns" in a sentence?

You can use "harbor concerns" to express a feeling of worry or unease about something. For example, "Many residents "harbor concerns" about the new development project".

What are some alternatives to saying "harbor concerns"?

Alternatives to "harbor concerns" include "have reservations", "worry about", or "feel apprehensive", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "harbor concerns" than "worry about"?

Yes, "harbor concerns" is generally considered more formal and suggests a deeper, more persistent level of worry than simply "worry about".

What's the difference between "harbor concerns" and "express concerns"?

"Harbor concerns" implies holding private worries, while "express concerns" means voicing those worries to others. You can "harbor concerns" without "expressing concerns".