more nagging concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'more nagging concern' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe an issue that is particularly worrying or persistent: The more nagging concern for the researchers was the potential long-term impacts of the experiment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A more nagging concern is that the strength and freshness of this novel — the multiple story lines, the unexpected movement away from Mark's still unexplored liaison with Giovana — also lead to its frustrations.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

On the other hand, the more yellow our landscape becomes, the more our nagging concerns about this newcomer crop may grow to match its spread.

The Guardian

Yet as Alan Rusbridger, editor of the Guardian, said when asked about the report's findings, there is nonetheless a nagging concern that newsrooms dominated by the middle classes will miss stories that relate more strongly to other parts of society.

The Guardian

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that killed more than 5,000 people, it seems that the immediate shock and horror has morphed for many into a nagging concern that never subsides.

The New York Times

He said the injury felt more nagging than severe.

The New York Times - Sports

Money was a nagging concern; the pair found little interest among investors for their experiment.

The New York Times

The problem of human rights abuses remains a nagging concern for any Western-supported military intervention.

The New York Times

And the beginning of my nagging concern: Can I really do this?

The New York Times - Travel

What remains, though, is a nagging concern that the field is not producing work that matters.

The New York Times - Books

I have a nagging concern that the removal of emotion could create complacency.

The Guardian

And yet, every item on that list will remain a nagging concern in this series until Miami proves otherwise.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more nagging concern", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the initial concern was, and how the current concern is a heightened or prolonged version of it. This provides a clearer understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "more nagging concern" when introducing a completely new concern. The phrase implies a pre-existing worry that has intensified or become more persistent. If it's a new issue, a phrase like "a new concern" or "another issue" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more nagging concern" functions as a noun phrase, where "nagging" acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "concern." It specifies the type of concern, highlighting its persistent and bothersome nature. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more nagging concern" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a worry or issue that has become increasingly persistent or bothersome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its frequency is rare, but it appears in neutral to professional contexts like news articles and business communications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes the pre-existing concern and how it has intensified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greater persistent worry

Emphasizes the persistence and increased intensity of the worry.

increased lingering anxiety

Focuses on the prolonged and heightened state of anxiety.

more pressing apprehension

Highlights the urgency and increased importance of the apprehension.

heightened continuous unease

Stresses the elevated and ongoing sense of unease.

a larger, ongoing anxiety

Implies the concern is significant and continuing.

a heightened, persistent anxiety

Focuses on the increased intensity and duration of the anxiety.

a more significant, ongoing worry

Highlights the importance and continuous nature of the worry.

a greater, continuous apprehension

Emphasizes the increased intensity and ongoing nature of the apprehension.

a stronger persistent worry

Focuses on the increased strength and duration of the worry.

escalating lingering anxiety

Stresses that anxiety is increasing and sustained.

FAQs

How can I use "more nagging concern" in a sentence?

You can use "more nagging concern" to express that a pre-existing worry has become more persistent or intense. For example, "Beyond the initial budget issues, a "more nagging concern" is the lack of skilled personnel."

What are some alternatives to "more nagging concern"?

Alternatives include "greater persistent worry", "increased lingering anxiety", or "more pressing apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "most nagging concern" instead of "more nagging concern"?

While "most nagging concern" isn't inherently incorrect, it implies that it is the highest concern among all others. "More nagging concern" simply indicates that a pre-existing concern has become increasingly bothersome.

When is it appropriate to use "more nagging concern"?

Use "more nagging concern" when you want to emphasize that a worry or issue has persisted over time or has intensified, becoming a greater source of anxiety or trouble than before.