increase concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase concerns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or issue that is causing more worry or anxiety among individuals or groups. Example: "The recent data breach has begun to increase concerns about the security of personal information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Their loss will increase concerns over Team GB's slow start to London 2012.

Independent

Indeed, the German outbreak is likely to increase concerns over the safety of fresh vegetables, Dr. Tarr said.

The New York Times - Health

"This should put capital increase concerns completely aside for BNP," Jon Peace, an analyst in London for Nomura International, wrote in a research note.

The New York Times

The loan will also increase concerns about the suitability of Retail Acquisitions to turn around the retailer, which employs more than 10,000 people and has a pension deficit of £207m.

The Guardian - Business

The decision, which means the game on 12 June will now kick off at 6pm local time – 11pm in the UK – may please England fans back home but will increase concerns about the effect of the conditions on the national team's players.

The Guardian - Sport

Some of the trends pinpointed in this special report, including the rise of organised crime on the internet and the imminent arrival of the internet of things, will only increase concerns about a widening security gap.A plain man's guideSo what can be done?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Monday's events will increase concern in the US and elsewhere about South Africa's international outlook.

The Guardian

The uncanny stability increased concerns about data manipulation.

The Economist

But the jobless claims increased concerns about consumer spending and the corporate profit outlook.

The New York Times

Where there is evidence of bad behavior, it increases concerns and heightens scrutiny".

The New York Times

The identification of the gunman has increased concerns that the attacker had a racist motive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increase concerns" when you want to emphasize a gradual rise in worry or apprehension about a specific situation or issue. It is suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures who or what is causing the concerns. Instead of saying "Concerns were increased by the report", specify "The report increased concerns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase concerns" functions as a verb phrase typically followed by a prepositional phrase or a clause specifying the object of concern. It is used to indicate that a particular situation or event is causing a rise in worry or anxiety. This is supported by examples on Ludwig and confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "increase concerns" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a growing sense of worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, most frequently within news, scientific, and formal business writing. While alternatives like "raise concerns" or "heighten worries" exist, "increase concerns" maintains a neutral tone suitable for conveying factual information and potential risks. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is causing the increase in concerns and avoid overusing passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise concerns

This is a more direct and commonly used alternative, focusing on the act of bringing concerns to attention.

heighten worries

This option uses a different verb and noun to convey a similar meaning of increased anxiety.

escalate worries

This option refers to an escalation in worries, indicating that the level of worries has risen.

worsen anxieties

This expresses that the anxieties are becoming worse.

exacerbate fears

This phrase emphasizes the worsening of existing fears, adding a stronger negative connotation.

amplify anxieties

This alternative uses a more formal tone, highlighting the intensification of anxieties.

augment fears

This option refers to the augmentation or the increase of the fears.

intensify apprehensions

This is a more formal and less common option that refers to a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

fuel unease

This implies that the concerns are growing and spreading, creating a sense of unease.

aggravate misgivings

This phrase suggests that the concerns are making existing doubts or reservations worse.

FAQs

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

You can use "increase concerns" to describe a situation where worries or anxieties are growing. For example, "The lack of transparency began to "increase concerns" among the investors."

What are some alternatives to "increase concerns"?

Some alternatives to "increase concerns" include "raise concerns", "heighten worries", or "exacerbate fears".

Is it better to say "increase concerns" or "raise concerns"?

Both "increase concerns" and "raise concerns" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Increase concerns" implies a gradual growth of worry, while "raise concerns" suggests bringing attention to existing worries.

What's the difference between "increase concerns" and "worsen anxieties"?

"Increase concerns" refers to a general rise in worry or apprehension. "Worsen anxieties", on the other hand, suggests that existing anxieties are becoming more intense or severe.