primary concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'primary concern' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is the most important focus, goal, or objective. For example, "Safety is the primary concern when travelling to other countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That's our primary concern.

The Guardian

The primary concern is fitness.

The New York Times

But speed wasn't the primary concern.

The New York Times

The decathlon remains Eaton's primary concern.

The New York Times - Sports

Cohen makes such matters his primary concern.

The New York Times - Books

Wearability is not her primary concern.

The New York Times

Weight has remained my primary concern.

The Guardian - Books

My primary concern is passenger safety.

The New York Times

Florida's primary concern is the origination fees.

The New York Times

So, which should be the primary concern?

The New York Times

The secondary remains the Jets' primary concern.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "primary concern" to emphasize the key element or factor that needs immediate attention or resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "primary concern" repeatedly in a short piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "main priority" or "chief worry" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary concern" functions as a noun phrase, where 'primary' modifies 'concern'. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition, identifying the most important issue or worry in a given context. This is validated by Ludwig's analysis of various sentence structures in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary concern" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the most important issue or worry in a given situation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure "primary concern" clearly identifies the key issue, and avoid overuse by varying your language with synonyms like "main priority" or "top priority". Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is correct and very usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main priority

Focuses on the order of importance rather than emotional worry.

top priority

Emphasizes the ranking and importance in a list of items.

foremost issue

Highlights the issue that comes before all others in terms of importance.

major focus

Highlights the area receiving the most attention and effort.

chief worry

Highlights the anxiety or fear associated with the most important issue.

central issue

Focuses on the core problem or subject matter at hand.

overriding consideration

Stresses that it takes precedence over all other factors.

principal consideration

Stresses the thoughtfulness and deliberation given to the main issue.

key objective

Highlights the ultimate goal that is of utmost importance.

paramount importance

Indicates something of supreme significance, exceeding other considerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "primary concern" to emphasize the most important issue in a given situation. For example, "The patient's "primary concern" was managing their pain after surgery".

What phrases are similar to "primary concern"?

Similar phrases include "main priority", "top priority", or "chief worry". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a primary concern of mine is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For example, "A "primary concern" of mine is ensuring the safety of all employees".

What's the difference between "primary concern" and "secondary concern"?

"Primary concern" refers to the most important issue, while "secondary concern" denotes issues that are important but less critical. Addressing the "primary concern" usually takes precedence.