pause for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"pause for concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express worry about a negative situation. For example, "The recent increase in COVID-19 cases is cause for pause for concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He said: "That must give the party and broader conservative movement pause for concern and review.

Independent

That being said, the fact that it's on the table at all — and promoted in the company's press release — should give users pause for concern.

TechCrunch

Still Klinsmann continued to see positives where others found pause for concern.

Los Angeles Times

However, the makeup and remarks of the hearing, combined with the multiple actions the current administration has taken since day one, give us great pause for concern.

HuffPost

The firing of Montagu's guns had given Nichols pause for concern, but his men had occupied the fort, and he was consulting with his officers on their next move when Burke arrived.

Wikipedia

While Biden is a prominent Democrat who openly criticizes the Trump administration, his relationship with Republicans is a pause for concern for many Democrats and progressives, especially as Biden is positioning himself for a potential 2020 presidential run.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Which behaviors give us pause for genuine concern?

Harvard Business Review

The content of the current Documenta, and the ways in which the art is displayed and framed by argument, gives pause for serious concern.

The Guardian - Arts

Tesla's ADAS features never gave me pause or cause for concern, and after my experience with the other company's system, I was on high alert for the remainder of my trip.

TechCrunch

That's something that should give the Trump administration a lot of pause and cause for concern.

Huffington Post

This is why the recent statistics regarding the social takeover of Internet gaming and social media should give us pause for wonder and concern.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pause for concern" when you want to suggest that something should make people stop and think carefully because there might be negative consequences or risks involved.

Common error

Avoid using "pause for concern" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's generally more appropriate for formal or semi-formal contexts where a degree of seriousness is intended. Opt for simpler alternatives like "something to worry about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pause for concern" functions as an idiom, conveying a sense of needing to stop and carefully consider a situation due to potential negative consequences. Ludwig AI's analysis of usage shows it often expresses worry or caution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pause for concern" serves as a signal to carefully consider a situation that presents potential risks or negative consequences. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and used in a variety of contexts, most notably in News & Media. While not extremely common, it provides a concise way to convey the need for thoughtful reflection and potential action. It's best used in neutral to formal settings, and writers should be mindful of overuse in casual conversation. Alternatives like "reason for worry" or "cause for alarm" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for worry

Focuses on the existence of a justification for worry rather than the act of pausing to consider it.

matter for concern

Highlights the issue as something that warrants attention and worry.

cause for alarm

Emphasizes a stronger, more urgent sense of worry than "pause for concern".

ground for apprehension

Presents a formal alternative, suggesting a rational basis for unease.

reason for anxiety

Shifts the focus to the emotional response of anxiety.

call for caution

Emphasizes the importance of carefulness and vigilance.

cause for hesitation

Emphasizes the need to stop and think due to potential negative consequences.

time for reconsideration

Highlights the necessity to rethink a decision or plan.

matter for deliberation

Suggests a need for careful and thorough consideration due to the seriousness of the issue.

moment of reflection

Suggests stopping and reflecting on a particular situation or topic.

FAQs

How can I use "pause for concern" in a sentence?

You can use "pause for concern" to indicate that a particular situation or development warrants serious consideration and worry. For example, "The company's declining profits should give investors "pause for concern"".

What does "pause for concern" mean?

"Pause for concern" means that something should cause one to stop and think carefully because it presents a potential problem or risk. It suggests a need for reflection and possible action.

Are there synonyms for "pause for concern"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "reason for worry", "cause for alarm", or "matter for concern" as alternatives to "pause for concern", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "pause for concern"?

It is appropriate to use "pause for concern" in situations where you want to express a need for careful consideration and potential worry due to negative or risky implications. This phrase is best suited for formal writing or serious discussions.