it became concerned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it became concerned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone or something starts to feel worry or anxiety about a particular issue or event. Example: "As the news unfolded, it became concerned about the potential impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In 2004, Exxon Mobil started asking the same question after it became concerned about the safety of its 90,000 workers and 100,000 contract workers, who drove up to 1.5 million miles each day, said Michael Henderek, the company's safety executive at the time.

The New York Times - Tech

"Wine became modern as it became concerned with representing itself as culture.

The New York Times - Arts

The company said it "became concerned Premier could not perform their obligations to [our] satisfaction".

The Guardian - Business

Ghost ship: Found floating 170 nautical miles south-west of Sitka, Alaska Distance travelled 5,350km The Ryo-Un Maru was sunk by the US Coast Guard after it became concerned that the 200ft fishing vessel could threaten other shipping off the US west coast.

Independent

Second, the DPC then decided to conduct a further audit after it became "concerned with the wider systemic issues identified" in the initial investigation.

TechCrunch

Don't poke that beast.' " Syngenta intensified its public-relations campaign in 2009, as it became concerned that activists, touting "new science," had developed a "new line of attack".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Then I became concerned when it seemed like it was cool to forget things.

The New York Times

I didn't initially consider what my parents would think when they'd see me later on TV, but eventually I became concerned about it.

Huffington Post

Only then did I become concerned.

Independent

Officials say he was arrested after another teacher saw it and became concerned.

The Guardian

As Mr. Wilson now sees it, state officials became concerned that New Jersey was falling behind neighboring states, which were fast installing the technology.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it became concerned", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the organization or entity that experienced the concern for clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "it became concerned" in excessively passive constructions. Prioritize active voice where possible to enhance sentence impact. For example, instead of "It became concerned that sales were declining", try "The company became concerned that sales were declining".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it became concerned" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change of state or emotion. It typically describes the onset of worry or apprehension, often in response to a specific event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it became concerned" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the onset of worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, its register ranges from neutral to professional. To ensure clarity, specify the subject experiencing concern and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Alternatives such as "it started to worry" or "it grew anxious" can provide stylistic variations. The frequency of this phrase is classified as "Common" with top authoritative sources including The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it started to worry

Replaces "became concerned" with a simpler synonym, focusing on the beginning of worry.

it grew anxious

Substitutes "concerned" with "anxious", emphasizing a stronger feeling of unease.

it began to feel apprehensive

Uses a more formal word, "apprehensive", to convey a sense of foreboding or anxiety.

it developed worries

Focuses on the creation or formation of worries, rather than the feeling itself.

it got uneasy

Employs "uneasy" to highlight a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

it experienced disquiet

Uses "disquiet" to denote a state of anxiety or disturbance.

it turned apprehensive

Highlights the shift or change into a state of apprehension.

it commenced worrying

Replaces "became concerned" with "commenced worrying", focusing on the start of the worrying process.

it showed alarm

Indicates the outward display or manifestation of concern through alarm.

it felt perturbation

Uses "perturbation", a more formal term, to describe a state of being disturbed or agitated.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "it grew apprehensive", "it began to feel foreboding", or "it experienced disquiet". These alternatives often suit academic or professional contexts.

What are some simpler alternatives to "it became concerned"?

Simpler alternatives include "it started to worry", "it got worried", or "it felt uneasy". These options are more suitable for informal settings.

Is there a difference between "it became concerned" and "it became worried"?

While both phrases convey a sense of unease, "it became concerned" often implies a more reasoned or considered worry, whereas "it became worried" can suggest a more immediate or emotional response. The best choice depends on the context.

How can I use "it became concerned" in a sentence?

You can use "it became concerned" to describe when an entity or organization began to feel anxious or worried about something. For example, "The board of directors became concerned about the company's declining profits".