have concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

'have concerns' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing worry or apprehension about something. For example: "I have concerns about the economic implications of this policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they have concerns.

The New Yorker

"I have concerns about that".

The Guardian

Still, did you have concerns?

The New York Times

I do have concerns.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Do I have concerns?

The New York Times

Some in my caucus still have concerns".

The New York Times

However, she did have concerns.

The New York Times

"We continue to have concerns".

The New York Times

"Quite rightly people have concerns".

The Guardian

"So while we have concerns over all.

The New Yorker

But Morozov's non-Russian employers have concerns.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have concerns", clearly state the subject of your concern to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I have concerns", specify "I have concerns about the budget allocation."

Common error

While "have concerns" is a valid phrase, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Vary your language by using more specific terms like 'apprehensions', 'reservations', or 'misgivings' to convey a more nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have concerns" functions as a verb phrase used to express worry, apprehension, or doubt. Ludwig indicates that it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have concerns" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate worry or apprehension. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. While applicable across various contexts, from News & Media to Science, it's essential to articulate the subject of concern clearly. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "express apprehension" or "voice misgivings". Remember to tailor your language to the specific context and audience to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have reservations

Indicates a feeling of doubt or hesitation about something, often a plan or decision.

worry about

Directly indicates concern and anxiety over a particular issue.

express worries

Highlights the communication of anxious thoughts or fears.

voice misgivings

Highlights the act of verbalizing feelings of doubt or uncertainty.

be anxious about

Similar to 'worry about', but emphasizes a higher level of anxiety.

express apprehension

Focuses on voicing the feeling of anxiety or fear about something.

harbor doubts

Suggests internally holding reservations or uncertainties about something.

feel doubtful

Suggests a lack of confidence or certainty about something.

feel uneasy

Emphasizes a general sense of discomfort or anxiety regarding a situation.

question the validity

Implies a specific concern about the truth or accuracy of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "have concerns" is used to express worry or apprehension about something. For example, "I "have concerns" about the project's timeline".

What are some alternative phrases to "have concerns"?

You can use alternatives such as "express apprehension", "voice misgivings", or "harbor doubts", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "have a concern" or "have concerns"?

"Have a concern" refers to a single worry, while "have concerns" refers to multiple worries or a general state of apprehension. The choice depends on whether you are referring to one specific issue or a collection of issues.

What's the difference between "have concerns" and "raise concerns"?

"Have concerns" means to possess feelings of worry or apprehension, while "raise concerns" means to express or voice those worries to others. For example, you might "have concerns" about a policy, and then "raise concerns" with your manager.