initial concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to a worry or apprehension about something that someone has at the start of a particular situation. For example, "My initial concern was that the project would be overwhelming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our initial concern was sexual orientation," she said.

The New York Times

After some initial concern, Venus appears to be moving comfortably in Paris.

The New York Times - Sports

The initial concern, however, is that it could do the opposite".

The Guardian - Business

There was some initial concern [among existing residents] that things were only being done for us.

The Guardian

"The initial concern was whether she had the command of English".

The New York Times

You might feel justified in voicing an initial concern – but don't go on about it.

Independent

"Our initial concern was: Does this mean the war on terror ends?

The New York Times - Arts

Now one semester into the programme, I can already state that my initial concern was misplaced.

The Economist

Though Menno was to become a leading advocate of ethical Christianity, his initial concern was doctrinal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ralph Orssini, the president of Honora, acknowledged some initial concern about dunking his fine jewelry in yogurt for an ad.

The New York Times

The initial concern was that she had some problem with her lungs or heart, or with the blood itself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initial concern", clearly state what caused the concern to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The initial concern was addressed", specify: "The initial concern about the budget was addressed by reducing costs".

Common error

Avoid implying that an "initial concern" remains unresolved without explicitly stating its resolution. Ensure the sentence structure indicates whether the concern was alleviated or if it persisted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes a worry or apprehension at the start of a situation, like in the example, "Our initial concern was sexual orientation."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial concern" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a worry or apprehension at the beginning of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the cause of the concern to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "primary concern" or "early worry" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial apprehension

Synonym of "initial concern" using another related word.

primary concern

Replaces "initial" with "primary", emphasizing the main worry.

first worry

Simple substitution, focusing on the temporal aspect of "first".

early worry

Substitutes "concern" with the more straightforward term "worry".

first apprehension

Uses "apprehension" for a slightly more formal tone.

original misgiving

Replaces "concern" with "misgiving", suggesting a sense of doubt.

preliminary anxiety

Emphasizes the anxious aspect of the initial worry.

early reservations

Emphasizes early doubts or hesitations.

initial reservations

Focuses on holding back due to concerns.

original fear

Replaces "concern" with the more intense term "fear".

FAQs

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

You can use "initial concern" to describe a worry or apprehension at the beginning of a situation. For example, "Our initial concern was the project's feasibility."

What are some alternatives to "initial concern"?

You can use alternatives such as "primary concern", "early worry", or "first apprehension" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "initial concern" or "main concern"?

While both are valid, "initial concern" emphasizes the timing of the concern (at the beginning), whereas "main concern" highlights the significance or importance of the concern.

What's the difference between "initial concern" and "preliminary concern"?

Both phrases are very similar, but "initial concern" is slightly more common and general, while "preliminary concern" may suggest a more formal or investigative context.