it became a concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it became a concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or issue that has started to worry or trouble someone or a group. Example: "Initially, the project was on track, but as delays mounted, it became a concern for the management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"When we looked at the law and saw there was nothing there, it became a concern," she said.

The New York Times

The disability did not greatly affect his teaching, but it became a concern, last fall, when he began to think about returning to the stage.

The New Yorker

It is also my belief that quarterback Tom Brady became increasingly drained with keeping Moss on board, to the point that it became a concern of the coaching staff.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"If it reoccurs all the time, then it becomes a concern," he said.

The New York Times

As the price of crude oil increases and an oil shortage looms, in the future, it becomes a concern for scientists trying to use natural gas as an alternative source of energy and as a feedstock in chemical industries.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

While in the past it was applaudable as laws and regulations don't keep up with the disruptive pace of a tech startup, when privacy is on the line it becomes a concern.

TechCrunch

He also noted that there was "no proven path" for most individual investors to stay with the company if it became a private concern.

The New York Times

They are lucky to have done this before it became a major concern.

Forbes

It became a serious concern after the electrocution of a well-known and experienced French radiologist, Jaugeas [54], in 1919.

Insights into Imaging

The Bluegrass State is a national leader in pushing for language education, so when this proposal started percolating there last year, it became a real concern in the language community.

Huffington Post

When we got a marriage of two of three factors, it became a growing concern, an 'entity'".

BMC Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it became a concern", clearly state what "it" refers to. Ensure the antecedent is unambiguous to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "it became a concern" without a clear antecedent for "it". Always specify what is causing the concern to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it became a concern" functions as a statement indicating that a particular issue or situation has evolved into something that is now causing worry or attention. This usage is supported by examples identified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it became a concern" is a phrase used to describe a situation that has evolved into something that now causes worry or requires attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to. While generally neutral, consider more formal alternatives for specific academic or scientific contexts. Remember to avoid vague pronoun references to maintain the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it raised concerns

Focuses on the action of raising concerns rather than the state of becoming a concern.

it was a worrying development

Highlights the worrying nature of the development.

it sparked apprehension

Emphasizes the feeling of apprehension that arose.

it gave rise to anxiety

Highlights the generation of anxiety.

it emerged as a problem

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the situation.

it grew into a worry

Suggests a gradual increase in worry.

it caused alarm

Emphasizes the alarming aspect of the situation.

it became problematic

Focuses on the state of being problematic.

it started to be a problem

Simple restatement of the issue.

it was a matter of concern

More formal way to express the concern.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it became a concern" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it was a matter of concern" or "it raised serious questions".

What's a more direct way to express "it became a concern"?

More direct alternatives include "it caused alarm" or "it raised concerns".

Is "it became a concern" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "it became a concern" is suitable for academic writing, but ensure the subject ("it") is clearly defined. More formal alternatives might be preferable in some contexts.

What's the difference between "it became a concern" and "it was a concern"?

"It became a concern" suggests a change over time, indicating that something was not initially a concern but later developed into one. "It was a concern" simply states that something was a concern at a particular time, without necessarily implying a change.