most concerning is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most concerning is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement or observation that highlights a significant issue or worry. Example: "While there are many factors to consider, what is most concerning is the lack of transparency in the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Perhaps most concerning is that even this woefully slow process can still be slowed further.

The Washington Post

What is most concerning is that these are often not our patients' choices.

Harvard University

"What we find most concerning is the normalization of the settlements, including ones deep in the West Bank".

The New Yorker

One of the most concerning is social isolation, which can only be fought by satisfying social needs.

Computers in Human Behavior

Potentially most concerning is that in most cases the closest rival media agency group is lucky to hold a market share of about half that of WPP.

The Guardian

Most concerning is what appears to be a list of suspects the AFP drew up, along with possible offences they believe they may have committed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Most concerning are reported trends towards increased mortality [20, 28, 31, 39, 49].

Annals of Intensive Care

Most concerning are the cases of individuals who die in detention.

Huffington Post

The most concerning was the potential of Ginkgo biloba to reduce coagulation [ 36- 40].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Most concerning was that the highest proportion (27%) of all interruptions occurred during medication tasks.

BMC Health Services Research

Most concerned are investors in the major miners, whose profits are sure to be hit.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "most concerning is" with a concise explanation of the negative implications or potential consequences to effectively communicate the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "most concerning is" to highlight minor issues. Reserve it for truly significant problems or risks that warrant serious attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most concerning is" functions as an introductory phrase to highlight the most significant or worrying aspect of a situation. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most concerning is" serves as a potent opener to spotlight a critical issue or source of worry. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from News & Media to scientific reports, affirm its reliability. To wield this phrase effectively, make sure to clearly articulate the issue and its implications. Steer clear of trivial concerns and clearly express any personal opinions. Ultimately, "most concerning is" offers a straightforward means to highlight what matters most.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of greatest concern is

Emphasizes the magnitude of the concern using "greatest" instead of "most".

what's particularly concerning is

Adds "particularly" to emphasize the specific aspect of concern.

what worries me most is

Shifts the focus to a personal worry rather than a general concern.

the biggest worry is

Uses "biggest worry" to indicate the primary cause for concern.

a major concern is

Uses "major concern" to underscore the significance of the worry.

the primary cause for concern is

Highlights the aspect by calling it "the primary cause".

the most alarming thing is

Replaces "concerning" with "alarming" to intensify the sense of unease.

the most troubling aspect is

Substitutes "concerning" with "troubling aspect" for a more nuanced expression.

the most significant issue is

Frames the concern as a "significant issue".

what should concern us most is

Shifts the focus to what should be concerning, adding a prescriptive element.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "most concerning is" in a sentence?

Use "most concerning is" to introduce the most significant problem or worry. For example, "Most concerning is the lack of funding for this project."

What phrases are similar to "most concerning is"?

Similar phrases include "of greatest concern is", "the biggest worry is", and "what worries me most is".

Is "most concerning is" considered formal or informal language?

"Most concerning is" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more frequently found in news and professional settings.

Can "most concerning is" be used to express personal opinions?

Yes, but it's often more effective when backed by evidence or reasoning. Consider framing it as "What I find most concerning is..." or "The most concerning aspect, in my opinion, is...". This clarifies that you are expressing a personal viewpoint.