peripheral concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "peripheral concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that you can use to describe something that is not a primary focus, but a secondary or minor issue that is not of great importance. For example: "We took a peripheral concern into consideration while making our decision, but the primary issue was still heavily weighted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is not a peripheral concern.

The Guardian - Sport

Indeed, this anti-patriarchal behaviour, which undercuts the nuclear family and makes partnership with men a peripheral concern, is something to celebrate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Connelly is sensitive and sympathetic, but Ronny and Beth's relationship is, for most of the film, a peripheral concern.

The New York Times

With fighting still heated a year before US forces are due to withdraw from Afghanistan, wildlife conservation is no doubt a peripheral concern to most American and Afghan officials.

The Guardian

The episode centered on the attempts of Mr Wilkes (Abdul-Jabbar) to control the wild ways of Arnold and his buddies, and political correctness was such a peripheral concern at that point that Arnold's ball-breaking centers around an attempt to frame the teacher as a child-beater.

The Guardian - Sport

The sociopolitical history of a city in a county with one of the lowest levels of upward mobility among all major metropolises is not a peripheral concern in an analysis of the racial tensions of the moment, it is the foundation of it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When Kvitova is this relaxed it's easy to believe she will overcome all her residual doubts about sporting fame – and sweep away those peripheral concerns while remaining true to herself and her quest to win many more grand slam tournaments.

The Guardian - Sport

Peripheral concerns become major issues.

Los Angeles Times

But sexual assault, abuse, and other acts of violence against women seem to be peripheral concerns for school officials.

Vice

By exploiting these economic, cultural and social anxieties, Republicans were able to forge deep schisms on the phony issues of gun control, tax increases, abortion, and homosexuality -- peripheral concerns which turned us against each other and transformed US culture into a mean and regressive society, domestically, and an aggressive bullying one, internationally.

Huffington Post

From June, a peripheral dispute concerned Rhodesia's unilateral and ultimately successful attempt to open an independent mission in Lisbon Portugall's acceptance of this in September 1965 prompted British outrage and Rhodesian delight.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "peripheral concern" with clarifying language to explain why the concern is not central to the main topic.

Common error

Avoid using "peripheral concern" to describe issues that have a direct and significant impact on the main subject. Doing so undermines the gravity of important matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peripheral concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies something as being of secondary importance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "peripheral concern" is a noun phrase used to describe an issue that is of secondary importance. Ludwig AI confirms it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English. It is commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "minor worry" and "secondary issue". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intention of downplaying an issue without dismissing it entirely, and avoid using it for central or critical matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Minor worry

Replaces "concern" with a synonym that emphasizes the small scale of the issue.

Secondary issue

Focuses on the ranking of the concern, placing it below more important matters.

Insignificant matter

Highlights the unimportance of the subject being considered.

Marginal problem

Indicates that the problem is on the edge or periphery of importance.

Side issue

Suggests the concern is a separate and less critical point.

Trivial anxiety

Emphasizes the slight or unimportant nature of the worry.

Subordinate consideration

Formally indicates the lower priority of the item in question.

Minor detail

Highlights that the concern is just a small element of a larger picture.

Non-essential element

Directly states that the concern is not required or vital.

Less significant aspect

Focuses on the relatively lower significance of the concern.

FAQs

How can I use "peripheral concern" in a sentence?

You can use "peripheral concern" to indicate something is not a primary focus. For example, "While staffing shortages are a "major headache", limited parking is a peripheral concern."

What are some alternatives to "peripheral concern"?

Alternatives include "minor worry", "secondary issue", or "insignificant matter". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree to which you want to minimize the concern.

Is "peripheral concern" the same as "central concern"?

No, "peripheral concern" is the opposite of "central concern". A peripheral concern is a minor or secondary issue, while a central concern is a primary or main issue.

When is it appropriate to describe something as a "peripheral concern"?

It is appropriate when the issue is still worth acknowledging, but not significant enough to warrant primary attention or resources. It suggests that it should be addressed only after more important matters are resolved.