hidden concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a worry or issue that is not immediately obvious or is kept out of plain sight. Example: "Despite her cheerful demeanor, there was a hidden concern about the project's feasibility that she couldn't shake off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the aftermath, Froch defended the referee by expressing a previously hidden concern for his opponent's health.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Amidst the older generation of Chinese, there is concern that this hidden fear of the 'Yellow Peril' will re-emerge as Asian-American overachievers start to assert themselves in the work force.

Huffington Post

We can leave out of account the inner man, the man we meet when we debate with ourselves, the hidden being concerned with God and the soul and ultimate reality.

The New Yorker

The press loves to run stories about the hidden privacy concerns caused by data collected online, but consumers have taken an "out of sight out of mind" approach.

TechCrunch

In other cases, different interpretations to those anticipated, exposes the complexities and the often hidden feelings concerning life with a long-term condition which could be empowering for patients.The types of humour which have emerged from this process can be mapped on to the prevailing theories.

BMC Health Services Research

But it does illuminate a largely hidden depth of concern, particularly among liberal Americans, about a gathering global disaster that has tended to be discussed, if at all, at the fringes of the presidential debate.

The Guardian

BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEK Santander's Hidden Links Raise Concerns  |  Banco Santander has moved billions of euros to and from a British subsidiary in recent years, despite the Spanish bank's claims that its units are financially independent, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The New York Times

A random, recent example from those results: "Artist sparks Twitter campaign against Paperchase over disputed design" – another UK-based story, this time concerning 'Hidden Eloise' an artist who noticed that the upscale stationery company 'Paperchase' had apparently ripped off one of her designs.

TechCrunch

Robert Zwijnenberg, professor of Art History in relation to the development of Science & Technology at University Leiden, characterized Zaretsky's work in a similar vein: "By literally participating hands-on in biotechnological practice, he is able to explore and expose the ethical and aesthetic limits of this practice: the hidden desires, the concerns and the expectations" (Waag Society 2012, 11).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

It must be emphasized that this study is based on secondary data not collected for the purpose of this research, which may have led to an underestimation of the score, particularly concerning "hidden" activities, which had to have been previously documented by HCPs.

BMC Health Services Research

The primary categories for hidden agendas were health concerns, psychosocial concerns and the patient's concept of disease.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hidden concern" to highlight a worry that is not immediately obvious, perhaps because it is being deliberately concealed or is simply not apparent on the surface.

Common error

Avoid using "hidden concern" when you actually mean a "secret agenda". A "hidden concern" is a worry that's not obvious, while a "secret agenda" implies a deliberate, often self-serving, plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden concern" functions as a noun phrase, where "hidden" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "concern". Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English, indicating its proper grammatical construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hidden concern" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a worry or issue that is not immediately obvious. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical construction. While not extremely common, it's found in various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When using this phrase, be sure to differentiate it from similar terms like "secret agenda", focusing on the idea of an underlying or not-easily-perceived worry. Consider using related phrases like "underlying concern" to emphasize the concern exists beneath the surface. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying concern

Emphasizes the concern exists beneath the surface, less about the intentional concealment.

latent worry

Focuses on the potential of the worry to become active or apparent.

unspoken anxiety

Highlights that the anxiety is not voiced, rather than necessarily concealed.

veiled apprehension

Suggests the apprehension is covered or disguised, but still present.

secret misgiving

Highlights the private nature of the feeling of doubt or unease.

unacknowledged worry

Focuses on the denial or ignorance of a worry.

suppressed concern

Highlights that concern has been consciously held back.

disguised anxiety

Emphasizes the attempt to conceal the anxiety.

covert worry

Conveys secrecy in the worry, like something you don't want to show.

unexpressed apprehension

Similar to unspoken, focusing on the lack of verbalization.

FAQs

How can I use "hidden concern" in a sentence?

You can use "hidden concern" to describe an underlying worry that is not immediately apparent. For example: "Despite his confident presentation, there was a "hidden concern" that the project might fail."

What is a good alternative to "hidden concern"?

Alternatives to "hidden concern" include "underlying worry", "unspoken anxiety", or "latent worry". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider using "underlying worry" if you want to imply the worry exists beneath the surface.

Is it better to say "hidden concern" or "secret concern"?

"Hidden concern" and "secret concern" are similar, but "hidden concern" often implies the worry is not easily noticed, while "secret concern" suggests it's intentionally concealed. The choice depends on whether the concealment is deliberate or not.

What's the difference between "hidden concern" and a "hidden agenda"?

A "hidden concern" is a worry that isn't obvious, while a "hidden agenda" is a secret plan or motive. They are different in that a concern is a feeling of worry, while an agenda is a plan of action. Do not confuse "hidden concern" with the alternative "hidden agenda".