may raise concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may raise concerns" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea that something may cause people to be worried or anxious. For example: "The announcement that the company will lay off 200 employees may raise concerns about the future of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may raise concerns about how long any fund-raising will take.

The Guardian

But the British have also used techniques that, for some, may raise concerns about privacy invasion.

The New York Times

In a world made wary of government surveillance, biometrics may raise concerns about civil liberties and privacy.

The Economist

The decision to appoint Mr. Fetter, whom some view as a Tenet insider, may raise concerns with investors, some analysts said.

The New York Times

Any further falls may raise concerns that QE has come too late to stave off deflation," said Teunis Brosens at ING Financial Markets.

The Guardian - Business

And as comments made last month by Thorsten Heins, the company's chief executive, revealed, that software release may raise concerns about the future of RIM's lucrative service business.

The New York Times

This fluidity may raise concerns among academics that publication fees could be uncoupled from the cost of production, diverting unreasonable sums of money from researchers to publishers.

The Guardian

Such a wide-ranging definition may raise concerns that the resolution could be used to undermine foreign assistance in a wide range of armed conflicts, including theoretically at least US plans to train and equip other rebel groups in Syria.

The Guardian

"With attention focused on consumer spending and little hope for a fast rebound in housing," he said, "the bank card series may raise concerns for many consumer-related businesses as well as for consumer-oriented lending institutions".

The New York Times

However, early recognition may raise concerns about workload increase and overtreatment.

Annals of Intensive Care

However, they may raise concerns indirectly, since inducements are not of equal value to all potential subjects.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Balance caution with clarity. While "may raise concerns" acknowledges potential issues, ensure your writing also offers solutions or reassurances where appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "may raise concerns" as a generic phrase without specifying the nature of the concerns. Instead of stating that something "may raise concerns", elaborate on what specific worries or problems could arise. For example, instead of "The new policy may raise concerns", write "The new policy may raise concerns about data privacy and employee morale".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may raise concerns" functions as a hedging device, softening a statement about potential problems or negative consequences. It indicates that something could lead to worry or unease, rather than definitively stating that it will. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may raise concerns" is a versatile expression used to introduce potential problems or anxieties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse fields, notably science, news, and business. The phrase functions as a hedging device, softening statements and encouraging careful consideration of potential downsides. When employing this phrase, specifying the exact nature of the concern is a best practice to improve clarity and impact. In summary, "may raise concerns" is a valuable tool for nuanced communication, enabling writers to express caution without resorting to alarmist language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might cause apprehension

Replaces "raise concerns" with a different verb and noun, emphasizing a feeling of unease.

could generate unease

Substitutes both the verb and noun to convey a similar sense of potential worry.

may spark anxiety

Focuses on the emotional response of anxiety as a consequence.

might prompt reservations

Highlights potential hesitations or doubts that could emerge.

could elicit worries

Emphasizes the act of drawing out or producing feelings of worry.

may lead to misgivings

Points to a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences.

might stir up anxieties

Implies that the anxieties were already present and are now being activated.

could give rise to worries

Uses a more descriptive verb phrase to indicate the emergence of worries.

may create disquiet

Focuses on a lack of peace or tranquility as a result of the situation.

might engender disquietude

Uses a more formal and less common synonym for unease.

FAQs

How can I use "may raise concerns" in a sentence?

Use "may raise concerns" to introduce potential problems or worries associated with a particular situation. For instance, "The proposed budget cuts "may raise concerns" about the quality of education".

What are some alternatives to "may raise concerns"?

You can use alternatives like "might cause apprehension", "could generate unease", or "may spark anxiety" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "may raise concerns" or "will raise concerns"?

"May raise concerns" indicates a possibility, while "will raise concerns" suggests a certainty. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the likelihood of the concerns arising.

What kind of concerns are typically introduced by the phrase "may raise concerns"?

The concerns introduced by "may raise concerns" can vary widely. They might involve ethical considerations, practical difficulties, financial implications, or potential risks. It is important to specify the nature of the concerns when using this phrase.