not our concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not our concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular issue or matter does not involve or affect the speaker or their group. Example: "While we appreciate your feedback, the decision regarding the project timeline is not our concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

That is not our concern.

Cornell University

"Well, that's not our concern right now.

The New Yorker

"But that's not our concern right now".

The New York Times - Sports

The border is not our concern at this stage".

The New York Times

The sunlight was not our concern or even.

The New Yorker

"We were told from up above that that's not our concern," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

He wasn't our concern really last week after the GWS loss".

The Guardian - Sport

(If you still want to drink too much when you return to your hotel that isn't our concern here).

Huffington Post

"This is not our immediate concern.

The New York Times

But Russia is not our only concern.

The Washington Post

Fidelity to the written text was not our primary concern, in accordance with the company's line of work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not our concern", be mindful of the context and tone. In some situations, it may come across as dismissive or uncaring. Consider softening the phrase or providing a brief explanation to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "not our concern" in situations where empathy and support are expected. Saying it during a colleague's personal crisis or in response to customer complaints can be perceived as insensitive and damaging to relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not our concern" functions as a declarative statement, primarily used to express a lack of responsibility, interest, or involvement in a particular matter. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not our concern" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a lack of responsibility, interest, or involvement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications, signifying a neutral formality. While it effectively establishes boundaries, it's important to consider the context and tone to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "not our problem" or "not our responsibility" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not our problem

Directly implies a lack of responsibility for a situation.

not our responsibility

Emphasizes the absence of a duty or obligation.

not our worry

Suggests a lack of anxiety or concern about something.

not our business

Indicates that something is outside the scope of one's involvement or interest.

none of our affair

A more formal way of saying "not our business".

not our lookout

Implies no obligation to monitor or protect something.

that's their problem

Shifts the responsibility to someone else.

that's for them to handle

Indicates that someone else is responsible for dealing with a situation.

that doesn't involve us

Highlights the lack of connection or implication for the speaker or their group.

that's outside our purview

Indicates that something falls outside the scope of one's authority or area of concern.

FAQs

How can I use "not our concern" in a sentence?

You can use "not our concern" to express that something is outside of your responsibilities or interests. For example, "How the company allocates its budget is "not our concern", as we are only responsible for our department's expenses."

What are some alternatives to saying "not our concern"?

Alternatives include "not our problem", "not our responsibility", or "not our business". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not our concern"?

It's appropriate to use "not our concern" when you want to clearly define the scope of your responsibilities or interests, especially when others might expect you to be involved. Be mindful of the tone and potential for misinterpretation.

Is there a difference between "not our concern" and "none of our business"?

While similar, "not our concern" often implies a lack of responsibility or relevance, while "none of our business" suggests that something is private or confidential and should not be pried into. The choice depends on the specific context and the reason for disinterest.