increasing concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"increasing concern" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that something is becoming more and more worrisome, or that interest in or attention paid to something is growing. For example: "The public is showing an increasing concern over climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cracolândia has caused increasing concern.

The Guardian

Inequality is an increasing concern in Spain.

The Guardian

Security is an increasing concern for businesses.

VB.net Developer's Guide Developer's Guide

And with increasing concern, that could fall even further".

The New York Times

Their wariness is a source of increasing concern, he said.

The New York Times

Isis's presence in Libya has become an increasing concern.

The Guardian

"It is an increasing concern for us," Mr. Kelly said.

The New York Times

The effects on children are of increasing concern.

The Guardian

Childhood obesity is of increasing concern to health experts.

The Guardian

There has also been increasing concern about police tactics.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Beijing's military activities in Djibouti are of increasing concern.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "increasing concern", clearly state the object of the concern. For example, instead of just saying "There is increasing concern", specify "There is increasing concern about the environmental impact of plastics."

Common error

Avoid using "increasing concern" without specifying the source or the specific nature of the concern. Saying "Increasing concern is growing" lacks clarity and impact. Instead, provide context: "Scientists express "increasing concern" about antibiotic resistance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasing concern" functions as a noun phrase, where "increasing" acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "concern". It describes a state of worry or apprehension that is on the rise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Unknown/unmatched sources

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "increasing concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a growing sense of worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic writing, making it suitable for formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the subject of the concern to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "growing worry" or "rising anxiety" can add nuance depending on the desired emotional impact. Being aware of these nuances, as well as the common pitfall of overgeneralization, will help you to effectively leverage the phrase "increasing concern" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing worry

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of concern, implying a rising level of anxiety.

rising anxiety

Emphasizes the feeling of unease and apprehension that is becoming more pronounced.

escalating unease

Highlights the progressive increase in discomfort or anxiety about a situation.

mounting apprehension

Suggests a gradual accumulation of fear or dread regarding a future event.

growing disquiet

Indicates a rising sense of disturbance or restlessness about a particular issue.

intensifying alarm

Conveys a stronger sense of urgency and potential danger.

burgeoning anxiety

Implies that anxiety is growing quickly and extensively.

heightened awareness

Shifts the focus to a greater understanding and recognition of a potential problem.

developing apprehension

Highlights that a feeling of concern is in progress, and it is still building up.

amplifying disquiet

Emphasizes that disturbance or uneasiness is becoming bigger.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "increasing concern" in a sentence?

To effectively use "increasing concern", follow it with a prepositional phrase specifying the subject of the concern. For instance, "There is "increasing concern" about the rising sea levels" or "The company faces "increasing concern" regarding data privacy".

What are some alternatives to "increasing concern" that I can use in my writing?

Consider using alternatives such as "growing worry", "rising anxiety", or "escalating unease" to add variety to your writing. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative has a slightly different emotional weight or focus.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a increasing concern" instead of "increasing concern"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. "Increasing" functions as an adjective modifying the noun "concern". The indefinite article "a" is not needed because "concern" in this context is typically used as an uncountable noun.

What's the difference between "increasing concern" and "growing concern"?

While both phrases are similar, "growing concern" often emphasizes the gradual development of worry or anxiety, whereas "increasing concern" highlights the measurable rise in the level of worry or attention. They can often be used interchangeably, but "growing concern" may feel slightly more organic or less quantifiable.