our main worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our main worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the primary concern or issue that is being addressed in a particular context. Example: "In this project, our main worry is meeting the deadline while maintaining quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It's our main worry.

The New York Times

Our main worry was getting to the Super Eight.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our main worry was that we should not be noticed and we made no noise.

The Guardian

"Our main worry is for the baby, since we don't know what she might need once she's born.

The Guardian

"Our main worry would be that Polish farms might start to break into the British market," say Reilly.

The Guardian - Business

"Our main worry," says Yuri Vasilievich, a senior sergeant, "is when the plant closes and unemployment puts everyone on the street".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Foreigners may think that we should be worried about our safety if the intervention starts, but our main worries are coming from the cruel and criminal regime.

BBC

Hamilton said the result was incidental in the circumstances, adding: "To hear one of our colleagues is seriously injured is the main worry".

BBC

To me, the main worry is American inattention and impatience, and perhaps our habit of substituting good intentions for real understanding.

The New Yorker

His main worry is bureaucracy.

The Economist

"My main worry was death," she said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the concern. If it is a minor issue use a synonym of less importance.

Common error

While "our main worry" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using phrases like "our primary concern" or "our principal anxiety" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our main worry" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying the primary concern of a group. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is deemed grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our main worry" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a shared primary concern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, consider the context and formality level when choosing alternatives for enhanced precision or to avoid repetition. When clarity is paramount, ensure the reference of "our" is well-defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what we are most worried about

Rephrases the expression to focus on the act of being worried, rather than the worry itself.

our chief concern

Replaces "worry" with "concern", focusing on a feeling of unease and care.

the thing we're most anxious about

Substitutes "worry" with "anxious", while also changing the sentence structure.

our overriding concern

Emphasizes that the concern takes precedence over all others.

our principal anxiety

Substitutes "worry" with "anxiety", emphasizing a state of apprehension and nervousness.

our biggest fear

Replaces "worry" with "fear", highlighting a more intense and potentially debilitating concern.

our primary apprehension

Uses "apprehension" instead of "worry", denoting a feeling of anxiety about something that might happen.

our central preoccupation

Shifts the focus to something that dominates one's thoughts, rather than a specific concern.

the matter that concerns us most

A more formal way of expressing the main worry, using "concerns" to emphasize the importance of the matter.

the greatest source of anxiety for us

Emphasizes the anxiety's origin rather than the worry itself, while also becoming more formal.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "our main worry"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "our primary concern", "our principal concern", or "our chief anxiety" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

How can I use "our main worry" in a sentence?

You can use "our main worry" to express a primary concern. For example, "Our main worry is the project's deadline." It clearly states the key issue requiring attention.

What are some alternatives to "our main worry" that still convey a sense of concern?

Alternatives include "our biggest concern", "our chief concern", or "our overriding concern". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "our main worry is" or should I use "our main worries are"?

Use "our main worry is" when referring to a singular, overarching concern. Use "our main worries are" when addressing multiple distinct concerns.