major worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a significant concern or anxiety about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The rising costs of living have become a major worry for many families struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

One other major worry about Reactor No. 3 is the mox, or mixed oxide, fuel it uses.

The New York Times

It's a major worry.

The Guardian

That is a major worry.

The New York Times

Global economic instability is another major worry.

The Guardian

The weather is always a major worry.

The Guardian

The nuclear crisis, however, remains a major worry.

Independent

Then, a major worry, is there a television set?

Independent

McIlroy's dip in form is not the major worry.

The New York Times - Sports

That retirement is a major worry for many women.

The New York Times

Ellis's recent injury problems are also a major worry.

The Guardian - Sport

The other major worry was how to budget," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major worry", ensure that the context clearly establishes the significance of the concern. Providing specific details about the potential consequences can enhance the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "major worry" for trivial or insignificant issues. Using it inappropriately can diminish the impact of your message and make you seem overly anxious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major worry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a significant concern or source of anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major worry" is a common and grammatically sound way to express significant concern or anxiety. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media to emphasize important issues. While versatile, it's best reserved for genuinely significant concerns, as overusing it can dilute its impact. Consider alternatives like "significant concern" or "serious concern" to fine-tune your message's tone and impact, as also highlighted by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant concern

Emphasizes the importance of the concern.

serious concern

Highlights the severity of the worry.

primary concern

Focuses on the worry that is of utmost importance.

chief concern

Indicates the main or principal worry.

principal worry

Highlights the main or most important worry.

grave concern

Implies a very serious and significant worry.

pressing concern

Suggests that the worry requires immediate attention.

big concern

Informal way to express a significant worry.

main problem

Shifts focus slightly from worry to the issue itself.

key issue

Focuses on the worry as a central point of contention or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "major worry" in a sentence?

You can use "major worry" to describe something that causes significant concern or anxiety. For example: "The increasing unemployment rate is a "major worry" for the government."

What are some alternatives to using "major worry"?

You can use alternatives like "significant concern", "serious concern", or "primary concern" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "major worry" in formal writing?

Yes, "major worry" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical pieces. However, in very formal academic writing, consider using synonyms like "significant concern" for a more nuanced tone.

What makes something qualify as a "major worry"?

A "major worry" typically involves a situation or issue that poses a substantial threat or has significant potential negative consequences. It's more than a minor inconvenience; it's something that could have a serious impact.