he expressed concern that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he expressed concern that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has voiced worries or apprehensions about a particular issue or situation. Example: "In the meeting, he expressed concern that the project deadlines were unrealistic and needed to be reassessed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But he expressed concern that their military forces remained on high alert.

The New York Times

He expressed concern that consumer spending was growing at a faster pace than incomes.

The New York Times

He expressed concern that some of them might violate the federal statute against torture.

The New Yorker

But he expressed concern that the new inspections may not uncover any banned weapons.

The New York Times

He expressed concern that advisers seemed reluctant to refer callers on for face-to-face help.

The Guardian

He expressed concern that District 9 would reinforce negative stereotypes of all Africans.

The Guardian - Film

He expressed concern that political fallout in Pakistan could negate any tactical gains.

The New York Times

Like other war supporters, he expressed concern that Mr. Obama might lose the peace.

The New York Times

He expressed concern that the garden had no security gates and asked if they could be installed.

The New York Times

He expressed concern that many European banks were entirely dependent on funding from the European Central Bank to keep going.

The Guardian - Business

But he expressed concern that talk shows have cultivated a "niche audience rather than the Republican mainstream".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he expressed concern that", ensure the concern is clearly and specifically stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "He expressed concern that the budget cuts would affect project timelines."

Common error

Avoid using "he expressed concern that" without specifying the actual concern. A sentence like "He expressed concern that things might go wrong" is too vague. Instead, detail what specific issues are causing the concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he expressed concern that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement of worry or apprehension. It's used to convey someone's specific concerns, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he expressed concern that" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase used to report someone's specific worries or anxieties. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral and professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the subject of the concern. Remember to use alternative phrases, such as "he voiced apprehension that" or "he worried that", to add variety to your writing and enhance your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he voiced apprehension that

Replaces "expressed concern" with "voiced apprehension", indicating a vocal expression of worry.

he worried that

Simplifies the expression to a more direct statement of worry.

he was anxious that

Indicates a state of anxiety regarding a particular situation.

he felt uneasy that

Conveys a sense of discomfort or apprehension.

he had misgivings that

Implies doubts or reservations about something.

he doubted that

Expresses uncertainty or lack of confidence.

he feared that

Indicates a sense of fear or dread.

he suspected that

Suggests a belief or hunch, often with negative connotations.

he questioned whether

Expresses doubt or inquiry about a particular matter.

he had reservations about

Indicates hesitations or concerns about something.

FAQs

How can I use "he expressed concern that" in a sentence?

Use "he expressed concern that" to introduce a specific worry or apprehension someone has. For example, "He expressed concern that the new policy would negatively impact employee morale."

What are some alternatives to "he expressed concern that"?

You can use alternatives like "he voiced worries that", "he raised concerns that", or "he was anxious that" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "he expressed concern that" or simply "he was concerned that"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "he expressed concern that" emphasizes the act of voicing the concern, while "he was concerned that" simply states his state of mind. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

How formal is the phrase "he expressed concern that"?

The phrase "he expressed concern that" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, commonly found in news reporting and professional communication. For more "informal settings", simpler alternatives like "he was worried that" might be more appropriate.