is a cause for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is a cause for concern' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is worrying or worrying in nature. Example sentence: The high rate of environmental pollution in this area is a cause for concern.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it is a cause for concern.

The New York Times

Sanitation is a cause for concern.

The Guardian

It is a cause for concern".

The New York Times

This is a cause for concern.

The Guardian - Business

But worsening forgetfulness is a cause for concern.

The New York Times - Health

Still, the contract issue is a cause for concern.

The New York Times - Sports

Khan said: "The government's approach to running prisons is a cause for concern to many experts.

The Guardian

It's no great secret that political participation in Britain is a cause for concern.

The Guardian - Money

However, his appointment of a lifelong prohibitionist, Senator Jeff Sessions, is a cause for concern".

The Guardian

But the focus on building for ownership is a cause for concern, she says.

The Guardian

"The IEA has long maintained that none of this is a cause for concern," he wrote.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a cause for concern", clearly state the reason for the concern to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is a cause for concern" repeatedly without specifying why something is concerning. Overuse weakens the impact and leaves the reader wondering about the specific reasons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a cause for concern" functions as a subject complement, linking a subject to a noun phrase that describes its state or condition. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and widely used to express worry or apprehension about a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a cause for concern" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile for diverse situations. When using this phrase, be specific about the reason for concern. Alternative phrases like "raises concerns" or "is worrying" can be used for variety. Understanding its function and purpose, along with avoiding overuse without context, will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is worrying

This alternative is a simpler, more direct expression of concern.

raises concerns

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the act of generating worry.

is troubling

This alternative implies a disruption of peace of mind.

is alarming

This alternative suggests a higher degree of urgency and potential danger.

gives rise to apprehension

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary and suggests a sense of unease.

is a matter of anxiety

This alternative highlights the emotional aspect of the concern.

is a source of disquiet

This alternative indicates a feeling of restlessness or disturbance.

presents a problem

This alternative frames the concern as a challenge or obstacle.

should be taken seriously

This alternative emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue.

demands attention

This alternative calls for focused action and consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "is a cause for concern" in a sentence?

Use "is a cause for concern" to indicate that something is worrying or problematic. For example, "The increasing pollution levels in the city "is a cause for concern"".

What are some alternatives to "is a cause for concern"?

You can use alternatives like "raises concerns", "is worrying", or "is troubling" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is a cause for concern"?

It is appropriate to use "is a cause for concern" when you want to express that a particular situation, trend, or event is generating worry or apprehension.

What is the difference between "is a cause for concern" and "is alarming"?

"Is a cause for concern" generally indicates a level of worry or apprehension, whereas "is alarming" suggests a more immediate sense of danger or urgency.