primary concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

"primary concerns" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing major issues that must be addressed in a given situation. For example: "The president's primary concerns at the meeting were economic stability and national security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Howard's primary concerns, though, remain logistical.

The New Yorker

It's hard to know what the primary concerns will be 113 days from now.

The New York Times - Sports

"Usually, our primary concerns would be a blizzard rolling through Wisconsin".

The New York Times

But Walbert's primary concerns — unlike those of some of her characters — aren't political.

The New York Times - Books

Among their primary concerns are whether the boy's grandparents are fit custodians.

The New York Times

Common street crime and health maintenance should be the primary concerns of travelers to Peru.

The New York Times - Travel

I totally understand these are the primary concerns of local people.

The Guardian

"One of our primary concerns is: why the Muslim community again?" Mrs. Ali said.

The New York Times

Mr. White likes the company's management, adding that environmental safety was among its primary concerns.

The New York Times

Those who did not book online cited security and customer service as their primary concerns.

The New York Times

"One of our primary concerns is the safety and welfare of the young children".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary concerns", ensure the context clearly establishes whose concerns are being discussed. For example, specify "the patient's primary concerns" or "the company's primary concerns" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "primary concerns" without providing specific details or examples. Instead of stating "their primary concerns were addressed", elaborate by saying "their primary concerns regarding data privacy and security were addressed through updated protocols".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary concerns" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important issues or worries being considered. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary concerns" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression to denote the most important issues or worries. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans across diverse fields, from news reporting and scientific research to business communications. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal settings. When using "primary concerns", be specific about whose concerns are being referenced and provide context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""main priorities"" or ""key considerations"" can be used to add nuance or shift the focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main priorities

Focuses on the most important goals to be achieved, shifting from worries to objectives.

key considerations

Emphasizes the important factors that need to be taken into account, suggesting a more deliberate and analytical approach.

chief worries

Highlights the anxieties and fears that are most prominent, adding an emotional layer.

principal issues

Refers to the most significant problems or topics at hand, making it suitable for formal settings.

central anxieties

Highlights the most important sources of unease or worry.

major preoccupations

Indicates the dominant thoughts or subjects that consistently occupy one's mind.

foremost anxieties

Highlights the most important sources of worry and fear.

overriding concerns

Signifies that these concerns are more important than others, taking precedence over everything else.

top priorities

Focuses on ranking what's most important, rather than just identifying concerns.

significant apprehensions

Implies notable fears or anxieties about potential negative outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "primary concerns" to highlight the most important issues or worries in a given situation. For example: "The candidate addressed the voters' "main concerns" regarding the economy".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "primary concerns"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "main priorities", "key considerations", or "chief worries".

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

"Primary concerns" refer to the most important issues or worries, while "secondary concerns" are less important and of lower priority. For example, the "main focus" is to address the primary concerns before dealing with the others.

Is it better to say "primary concern" or "primary concerns"?

Use "primary concern" when referring to a single, overriding issue. Use "primary concerns" when discussing multiple important issues. For example, if job security is the only concern, then refer to it as the "top priority".