indication of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indication of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a sign or signal that suggests someone is worried or troubled about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The sudden drop in sales was an indication of concern for the company's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There was also an indication of concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

He refused to comment on the case and gave no public indication of concern.

The New York Times

The letter represents the first clear indication of concern among Qaeda leaders about the tactics used by Mr. Zarqawi and his followers in Iraq, and how these violent methods might undermine popular support for Al Qaeda's cause.

The New York Times

One indication of concern was a secret cabinet-level "tabletop" exercise conducted last month that simulated the simultaneous release of anthrax in different types of aerosols in several American cities.

The New York Times

Under a section labeled "political," the slides ask whether use of the strategy could "raise issues" or "impact" government contracts, indication of concern that it could have faced a backlash.

The New York Times

Both Texas and the organizations that have filed briefs on its side devote considerable energy in the briefs to trying to convince the justices that granting the case was a mistake, a choice of tactics that is usually an indication of concern that a decision that does reach the merits will be unfavorable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The poll came amid clear indications of concern in Mr. Giuliani's camp about the state of his campaign.

The New York Times

Despite the steady erosion in the company's shares, there have been no public indications of concern, either from Cable and Wireless or from other HKT shareholders.

The New York Times

Still, the pollsters said these recent indications of concern could be the leading edge of a reassessment of a war that once enjoyed major support and of a new round of questioning whether it was worth the cost and casualties.

The New York Times

There are, however, indications of concern within the U.S. government.

Huffington Post

What was not in the documents was any indication anywhere of concern for the children who had been harmed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indication of concern" when you want to subtly point out that someone or something is causing worry without being overly dramatic. It is suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "indication of concern" when there is overwhelming evidence or outright panic. In such cases, stronger terms like "state of emergency" or "outbreak of fear" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indication of concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes something that signals or suggests worry. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indication of concern" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that serves to signal worry or apprehension in a subtle manner. Ludwig highlights that the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, scientific publications, and wiki sources. While not overly frequent, its use is appropriate in neutral to formal registers. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, suggesting that it's best used to introduce a topic requiring attention without causing undue alarm. Consider alternatives like "sign of worry" or "expression of disquiet" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sign of worry

Replaces "indication" with "sign", focusing on the perceptible aspect of the concern.

Signal of apprehension

Uses "signal" instead of "indication" and "apprehension" instead of "concern", highlighting a formal tone and anticipation of something negative.

Expression of disquiet

Substitutes "indication" with "expression" and "concern" with "disquiet", emphasizing the outward display of unease.

Manifestation of anxiety

Replaces "indication" with "manifestation" and "concern" with "anxiety", suggesting a more pronounced and visible form of worry.

Hint of unease

Uses "hint" instead of "indication" and "unease" instead of "concern", implying a subtle and understated sense of worry.

Suggestion of alarm

Replaces "indication" with "suggestion" and "concern" with "alarm", highlighting a sense of potential danger or urgency.

Evidence of worry

Substitutes "indication" with "evidence", focusing on concrete proof or signs of concern.

A sign that something is amiss

A more descriptive alternative indicating something is wrong or not as it should be.

Suggestion of a problem

Focuses on the issue causing the concern rather than the feeling itself.

Worrying development

Highlights that the indication relates to an unfolding situation that is cause for concern.

FAQs

How can I use "indication of concern" in a sentence?

You can use "indication of concern" to suggest that there is a reason to worry. For example: "The falling stock prices are an "indication of concern" for investors".

What's a more formal alternative to "indication of concern"?

A more formal alternative would be "manifestation of anxiety" or "signal of apprehension".

What are some situations where "indication of concern" might be used?

"Indication of concern" can be used in a variety of situations where there is a subtle worry, such as in financial reports, medical diagnoses, or political analyses.

Is there a difference between "sign of concern" and "indication of concern"?

While both are similar, "sign of concern" often implies a more visible or obvious manifestation, whereas "indication of concern" can be more subtle.