is cause for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that something is worrying or concerning. For example, "The increasing rate of serious crime in the area is cause for concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For preservationists, this is cause for concern.

The New York Times

To some, that is cause for concern.

The New York Times

But there is cause for concern.

The Economist

This is cause for concern.

The New York Times

Surely this is cause for concern.

The Guardian - Film

This is cause for concern for some.

The Guardian

"This alone is cause for concern".

The New York Times

Goran told me that this is cause for concern.

The Guardian

And consumer advocates say that is cause for concern.

The New York Times

But there is cause for concern, analysts said.

The New York Times

There is cause for concern," the source said this week.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is cause for concern", clearly specify what the cause is and why it is concerning to provide context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "is cause for concern" without clearly defining the subject or reason. Ensure you provide specific details to avoid ambiguity and enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is cause for concern" functions as a predicative expression. It identifies a subject as something that should provoke worry or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is cause for concern" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signals worry or apprehension about a particular issue. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and scientific sources, this phrase serves to alert readers to potential problems and the need for attention. While it maintains a neutral to professional tone, ensuring specificity and clarity when using "is cause for concern" will help in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a matter of apprehension

Replaces "cause for concern" with a more formal expression.

gives rise to worry

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of causing worry.

is a worrying trend

Focuses on the development of a concerning pattern over time.

raises anxieties

Highlights the increase in anxiety as a result of something.

prompts unease

Uses a more sophisticated vocabulary to indicate a feeling of discomfort.

warrants attention

Suggests that something is important enough to require investigation.

is alarming

Conveys a stronger sense of urgency and potential danger.

is a red flag

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a warning sign.

should not be overlooked

Implies that something deserves attention due to potential negative consequences.

presents a challenge

Frames the concern as a problem that needs to be addressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "is cause for concern" to indicate that a particular situation or trend is worrying. For instance, "The increasing levels of pollution in the river is cause for concern."

What can I say instead of "is cause for concern"?

You can use alternatives like "gives rise to worry", "prompts unease", or "raises anxieties" to express similar sentiments.

Which is correct, "is cause for concern" or "are cause for concern"?

"Is cause for concern" is used when referring to a singular subject, while "are cause for concern" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The delay is cause for concern" versus "These delays are cause for concern".

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

"Is cause for concern" implies a specific reason behind the worry, whereas "is a concern" is a more general statement of worry. For instance, "The lack of funding is cause for concern" highlights a specific issue, while "The project's viability is a concern" is a more general worry.