most common concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most common concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the primary issue or worry that is frequently encountered in a particular context or situation. Example: "The most common concern among parents is the safety of their children while using the internet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The most common concern about working abroad is the impact on an employees' family and friends.

The Guardian

The most common concern of my peers was what might happen to our pay.

The Guardian

Alcohol was the most common concern, at 19%, followed by cannabis and cocaine, each on 12%.

The Guardian

Perhaps the most common concern is over the prospect of P.O.W.'s being raped.

The New York Times

The most common concern expressed at their meetings is who will support them as they age.

The Economist

The most common concern is the apparent discrepancy between cases heard within the M25, in particular central London, and those dealt with elsewhere in England and Wales.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Ms. Berger explained that one of the most common concerns involves insurance coverage.

The New York Times

Most common concerns are: The qualification age for a bus pass.

The Guardian - Money

Visual impacts belong to the most common concerns about wind energy development projects in Europe.

Ocean & Coastal Management

"Spots are one of the most common concerns among men, and yet there is no education about it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some of the most common concerns are how do you share your broadband Internet connection, and how do you protect yourself from someone hacking into your network?

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most common concern", ensure you specify who holds this concern and in what context. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is the "most common concern" without providing evidence or context. Instead, support your claim with data or specify the group for whom it is a concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most common concern" functions as a noun phrase typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the predominant worry or issue within a specific context. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used to highlight prevalent anxieties across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

After analyzing numerous examples and sources, Ludwig has determined that the phrase "most common concern" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight a predominant issue or worry. It appears most often in "News & Media" and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for conveying information in a clear, neutral manner. The related phrases offer alternatives for varying the tone or emphasis, while the writing guidance helps ensure accurate and effective usage. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-established and easily understood in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concern

Replaces "most common" with "primary", indicating the main concern.

chief concern

Substitutes "most common" with "chief", emphasizing the principal concern.

main worry

Uses "worry" instead of "concern", keeping the focus on anxiety.

biggest issue

Replaces "concern" with "issue", highlighting a significant problem.

top concern

Indicates the concern that is ranked highest in importance.

prevailing concern

Highlights the concern that is currently widespread or dominant.

dominant concern

Similar to 'prevailing', suggesting the concern that is most influential.

frequent concern

Emphasizes the repeated or habitual nature of the concern.

typical concern

Indicates the concern that is representative of a particular situation or group.

widespread worry

Replaces concern with "worry" and "most common" with "widespread", indicating broad concern.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "most common concern" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "primary concern", "chief concern", or "principal issue" depending on the context.

What's a less formal way to say "most common concern"?

In less formal settings, consider using "biggest worry", "main problem", or "top issue".

Is it always necessary to specify who has the "most common concern"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the group or individuals holding the concern enhances clarity and prevents overgeneralization. For example, "The most common concern among parents...".

What are some examples of how "most common concern" is used in different fields?

The phrase is versatile. In healthcare, it might be "the most common concern about a new medication". In business, it could be "the most common concern during mergers". Understanding the context is key to its effective use.