heightened concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heightened concerns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increase in worries or anxieties about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The recent events have led to heightened concerns regarding public safety in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A handful of reports issued Friday heightened concerns.

The New York Times

The collapse has heightened concerns about mining safety in Peru.

Independent

In Washington, such moves have heightened concerns, especially among lawmakers who imposed the conditions on aid.

The New York Times

The outbreak has heightened concerns because it has a high rate of hospitalizations.

The New York Times

The money trail has heightened concerns that his death may present a national security risk.

Independent

Those developments heightened concerns about the country's ability to meet refinancing obligations.

The New York Times

Two instances in 2008, when Reuters accidentally released data a few seconds too early, heightened concerns.

The New York Times

But the towering presence of the biggest banks brings heightened concerns.

The New York Times

Recent workplace legislation has heightened concerns over the health and safety of officers.

The Guardian

The exams were replaced by quarterly assessments, amid heightened concerns about excessive testing.

The Washington Post

The move would mark a major step in combating heightened concerns about brain trauma and other related injuries in football.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, support claims of "heightened concerns" with evidence or data. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "heightened concerns" as a generic filler. Always provide specific details about the nature of the concerns and the reasons for their increase. Lack of context dilutes the impact of the phrase and weakens your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heightened concerns" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an elevated state of worry or anxiety regarding a specific issue, which is validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heightened concerns" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an increase in worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is broadly acceptable in written English and is found most frequently in news, scientific and encyclopedic contexts. To use it effectively, specify the cause of the concerns to provide context and avoid overuse as a generic filler. Alternatives such as "increased anxieties", "growing worries", and "mounting fears" can add nuance to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate "heightened concerns" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased anxieties

Replaces "concerns" with "anxieties" and uses "increased" instead of "heightened", focusing more on emotional distress.

growing worries

Substitutes "heightened" with "growing" and "concerns" with "worries", suggesting a gradual increase in unease.

mounting fears

Emphasizes the intensity of the concerns by using "mounting fears" instead of "heightened concerns".

escalating apprehensions

Replaces both words to convey a more formal and intensified sense of worry.

intensified anxieties

Uses "intensified" for "heightened", which changes the focus to the emotional aspect using the term "anxieties".

sharply increased worries

Adds "sharply" to emphasize the sudden and significant increase in worries.

serious apprehensions

Replaces "heightened" with "serious" to highlight the gravity of the concerns.

grave misgivings

Implies a deeper level of doubt and worry than "heightened concerns", suggesting a more profound unease.

rising disquiet

Focuses on a growing sense of unease and disturbance, replacing the more direct term "concerns".

aggravated unease

Suggests a worsening state of discomfort and anxiety, rather than a simple increase in concern.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "heightened concerns" in a sentence?

To effectively use "heightened concerns", clearly state the subject or situation that is causing the increase in worry. For example: "The recent data breach has led to "heightened concerns" about data security."

What are some alternatives to "heightened concerns"?

Alternatives to "heightened concerns" include "increased anxieties", "growing worries", or "mounting fears", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "heightened concerns" in formal writing?

Yes, "heightened concerns" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe an increase in worry or anxiety. Just be sure to provide specific context.

What's the difference between "heightened concerns" and "serious concerns"?

"Heightened concerns" implies an increase in the level of worry, while "serious concerns" highlights the gravity or importance of the worries themselves. For example, you might say ""heightened concerns" about the economy" if worries have recently increased, or "serious concerns about the safety of the building" if the worries are inherently significant.