might be of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something could potentially be troubling or worrisome. Example: "The recent changes in policy might be of concern to employees who value job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Dr. Mittleman said the study might be of concern to baby boomers who continued to use marijuana as they aged.

The New York Times

What might be of concern to those living in the areas affected by the car industry's end is that, as I noted in November, female participation has flatlined since 2008.

The Guardian - Business

The Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 1564, say, whose ham loaf and D.J. nights and fish fry and karaoke nights might be of concern to the local rescue squad.

The New York Times

But, beyond hand-waving, they don't engage much with some basic questions that might be of concern to the rest of us: Will much longer lives guarantee better lives, or better societies?

The New Yorker

Finally, a representation of the ToxCast and EDSP assays is shown to showcase which toxicity pathways might be of concern.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Some areas of deficiency might be of concern as they might be influencing the success of using automated calf feeding systems.

Journal of Dairy Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It was only toward the end of his presidency that Bush could admit that climate change might be of some concern.

The New York Times

If it weren't for digital production and its potential for worldwide distribution on social media, the Islamic State might be of marginal concern outside of the Arab world.

The New Yorker

Syrian dominance might be of little concern to anyone but the Lebanese except for the state of unwavering hostility that exists between Syria and Israel.

The New York Times

"Certainly, for portfolio investors who might be putting their money in the United States from abroad, it might be of some concern if they saw a substantial period ahead of a declining dollar," said Charles H. Dallara, managing director of the Institute of International Finance, a global association of financial firms.

The New York Times

In very early lactation, the supply of EAA might be of greater concern than the supply of glucogenic substrates.

Journal of Dairy Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be of concern", clearly specify what the potential concern is and to whom or what it applies. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "might be of concern" when the situation clearly warrants stronger language. If the issue is definitively problematic, using phrases like "is a serious problem" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be of concern" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion of a potential problem or issue. It suggests a possibility of worry without stating it as a certainty. Ludwig AI confirms this is a proper expression, as demonstrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be of concern" is a useful phrase for expressing potential problems or worries in a tempered way. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans across diverse fields, with science and news media being the most prevalent. When employing this phrase, remember to specify the potential concern and tailor your language to avoid overstating the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is potentially worrisome

Directly uses the adjective 'worrisome' to replace "of concern", making the potential for worry explicit.

could potentially be problematic

Replaces "of concern" with a more direct synonym for 'problematic', implying a possibility rather than certainty.

may be a reason to worry

Directly states the potential for worry, simplifying the phrasing.

may give rise to unease

Substitutes "concern" with "unease", emphasizing the emotional aspect of worry and replaces 'might be' with a more active phrasing.

could raise apprehension

Replaces "concern" with "apprehension", highlighting a sense of anxiety or fear and replaces 'might be' with 'could raise'.

could lead to reservations

Focuses on the potential for 'reservations' or doubts as a consequence.

presents a possible difficulty

Focuses on the practical aspect of a 'difficulty' rather than an emotional 'concern'.

is a possible cause for alarm

Elevates the level of concern to 'alarm', suggesting a more serious potential issue.

is something to keep an eye on

Offers a more idiomatic expression, suggesting vigilance rather than immediate worry.

warrants careful consideration

Shifts the focus to the need for 'consideration' due to a potential issue, rather than directly expressing concern.

FAQs

How can I use "might be of concern" in a sentence?

You can use "might be of concern" to express a potential problem or worry. For example, "The lack of funding for the project "might be of concern" to the team".

What are some alternatives to "might be of concern"?

Alternatives include "could potentially be problematic", "may give rise to unease", or "is potentially worrisome", depending on the specific context.

Is "might be of concern" too weak of a statement?

In some situations, "might be of concern" could be considered an understatement. If the situation is definitely problematic, stronger phrasing such as "is a serious issue" may be more fitting.

When is it appropriate to use "might be of concern"?

"Might be of concern" is appropriate when expressing a potential problem that hasn't yet fully materialized or is uncertain in its impact. It is useful for raising awareness without causing undue alarm.