may be concerned

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be concerned" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express uncertainty or potential interest in a particular topic or situation. For example: 1. "I may be concerned about climate change, but I'm not sure how to help." 2. "You may be concerned about the safety of your children, but rest assured, our school has strict security measures in place." 3. "The CEO may be concerned about the company's financial performance, but we have a solid plan in place for improvement." 4. "I understand you may be concerned about your friend's well-being, but please know that we are taking care of her here at the hospital." In each of these examples, the phrase "may be concerned" introduces a possibility or potential feeling, rather than a definite statement. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including personal thoughts, reassurances, and speculation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some potential customers may be concerned about security.

The New York Times - Tech

As she does, viewers may be concerned about manipulation on more than one front.

The New York Times - Arts

She may be concerned that... bad news about Shell's Nigerian operations will leak out".

The Guardian - Business

Some readers may be concerned that the in the future robots may mistreat their pets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or they may be concerned that academics lack experience in working with school-level students.

The Guardian

They may be concerned that the inquiry will become too large, expensive and cumbersome.

Independent

But regulators may be concerned about a bubble in one particular sector, like housing.

The New York Times

The Mets considered Martin last winter but may be concerned about his $5 million salary for next year.

The New York Times - Sports

They may be concerned that clients will desert them for competitors in Soho or other parts of the country".

The Guardian

Traders may be concerned by the company's cautious outlook, with the CEO warning that the UK recovery is 'fledgling'fledgling

The Guardian - Business

Parents whose children are prescribed Paxil or other antidepressants may be concerned enough to take their children off medication.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be concerned" to express a possibility rather than a certainty. This softens the statement and acknowledges uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "may be concerned" when a stronger, more definite statement of concern is warranted. Using "is concerned" is a more accurate and direct way to show certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be concerned" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding someone's worry or apprehension. It indicates a potential state of concern rather than a definite one. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be concerned" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey the possibility of worry or apprehension. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is often employed to soften statements, show empathy, or introduce potential issues without making definitive claims. It finds frequent application in news, science, and business contexts, indicating its neutrality. When aiming to convey similar sentiments, alternatives such as "might be worried" or "could be anxious" can be considered, depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use "may be concerned" to express possibility and avoid it when a stronger statement is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be worried

Replaces "may" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability of concern.

could be anxious

Substitutes "concerned" with "anxious", indicating a stronger emotional response.

might have reservations

Replaces "concerned" with "have reservations", focusing on doubts or hesitations.

could be apprehensive

Uses "apprehensive" as a more formal synonym for "concerned".

might feel uneasy

Emphasizes a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

could be troubled

Suggests a deeper level of worry or distress.

might be skeptical

Focuses on doubt and disbelief rather than general concern.

may have misgivings

Similar to "have reservations", but implies a stronger sense of doubt.

could be in doubt

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of confidence.

might be taking into consideration

Shifts the focus to active consideration of potential problems or issues.

FAQs

How can I use "may be concerned" in a sentence?

"May be concerned" is typically used to express that someone might have worries or anxieties about something. For example, "Investors "may be concerned" about the new regulations." It suggests a potential concern rather than a confirmed one.

What are some alternatives to "may be concerned"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might be worried", "could be anxious", or "might have reservations". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "may be concern" instead of "may be concerned"?

No, "may be concern" is grammatically incorrect. "Concerned" is the past participle form of the verb and functions as an adjective in this context. The correct phrase is ""may be concerned"".

What's the difference between "may be concerned" and "are concerned"?

"May be concerned" expresses a possibility or potential worry, while "are concerned" indicates a definite, existing worry. For example, "They "may be concerned" about the weather" suggests a possible concern, whereas "They are concerned about the weather" indicates they are definitely worried.