it is rather concerning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is rather concerning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing worry or unease about a particular situation or issue. Example: "The recent increase in cyber attacks on small businesses is rather concerning for our community's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: "It is rather concerning that the number of people applying to university appears to be continuing to fall.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was rather concern that David Cameron and his ministers would find it hard, nay impossible, to resist such expert pleading.

Independent

They are, rather, concerned with a stranger, but also more intimately familiar, set of problems.

The New York Times

In this case, the supervisor did not mind that the student wanted to make a major decision, but was rather concerned by the consequences, for the student, supervisor and department, if the analysis was flawed in its methodology.

BMC Medical Education

Here it is rather the substance that concerns us.

Independent

As far as the minimum requirements for future conference abstracts are concerned, it is rather difficult to propose detailed suggestions.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

It was rather an argument concerning what should be coordinated and how.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Furthermore, the information provided is rather incomplete concerning descriptions and characterizations of ENMs and the released materials.

Environmental Pollution

"It's a good intention, but the time-frames are still rather concerning showing an awareness of the problem but not the haste to address it.

The Guardian

There is rather less concern about the po-faced reaction in certain quarters to Johnson's decision to allow his players to go bungee jumping.

The Guardian - Sport

I kept checking the inquiry website just in case anything had changed, and there was a rather concerning moment when it didn't work at all.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience's perception of the topic when using "it is rather concerning". If the topic is very sensitive, consider mitigating with additional context to avoid alarming readers or listeners.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it is rather concerning" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "that's a bit worrying" or "that's not ideal" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is rather concerning" functions as an evaluative expression, used to indicate a moderate level of worry or unease about a particular situation or issue. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for expressing concern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is rather concerning" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a moderate level of worry or unease. According to Ludwig, the phrase is mostly found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While versatile, consider less formal alternatives like "that's a bit worrying" in casual conversation. The phrase should be used to introduce a problem or potential issue that requires attention, but that is not considered severe or alarming. Remember that stronger wording should be reserved for situations that warrant increased urgency or alarm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It raises concerns

Focuses on the act of prompting worry or unease.

It gives cause for concern

Similar to "raises concerns" but with a slightly more formal tone.

It's quite alarming

Changes the intensity and uses a different adjective to convey concern.

It's somewhat worrying

Uses "worrying" instead of "concerning", indicating a milder level of concern.

It is quite troubling

Substitutes "concerning" with "troubling", offering a slightly milder tone.

It is a cause for alarm

Emphasizes the potential danger or urgency of the situation.

It is cause for anxiety

Highlights the potential for stress or worry.

It's a bit unsettling

Suggests a feeling of unease or anxiety.

It's not exactly comforting

Understates the level of concern by focusing on the lack of comfort.

It is hardly reassuring

Expresses a lack of comfort or confidence in the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it is rather concerning" in a sentence?

You can use "it is rather concerning" to express mild alarm or worry about a situation. For example, "The number of students failing the exam is rather concerning".

What are some alternatives to "it is rather concerning"?

Alternatives include "it is quite troubling", "it raises concerns", or "it's somewhat worrying", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is rather concerning" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "it is rather concerning" might sound slightly formal in casual settings. Consider using less formal alternatives like "that's a bit worrying" or "that's not ideal".

What's the difference between "it is rather concerning" and "it is very concerning"?

"It is very concerning" expresses a stronger level of worry or alarm than "it is rather concerning". The word "rather" indicates a moderate degree of concern.