profound concern

USAGE SUMMARY

'profound concern' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express a deep and serious worry or distress about something. For example, "The news of rising unemployment caused profound concern among government officials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very few of those Americans share his profound concern.

The New York Times

This should be of profound concern to every U.S. citizen.

MIT Technology Review

It is a profound concern for the entire music sector.

The Guardian - Business

But they still showed profound concern about the American model.

The New York Times

Privately, though, the sanctions are a source of profound concern.

The New Yorker

Behind his rejection of traditional allegiances lay a profound concern with moral values.

Britannica

He always had a profound concern for human decency and human rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

The grave effects of internal emitters are of the most profound concern at Fukushima.

The Guardian

His life was distinguished by a profound concern for the greater good of all humanity.

The New York Times

This matter is of profound concern to me and to other trustees.

The Guardian

We are writing to express our profound concern about recent developments at the Open University.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound concern" to emphasize the gravity of a situation or feeling. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of deep worry or serious consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "profound concern" in everyday, informal situations. Its intensity can sound unnatural or overdramatic when a simpler expression of worry would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase, expressing a strong feeling of worry, anxiety, or interest regarding a particular issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express deep worry or serious interest. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the depth of concern warrants such emphasis. Alternatives like "deep worry" or "serious apprehension" may suit different nuances or contexts. Remember to avoid overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deep worry

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of concern, highlighting the worry involved.

Serious apprehension

Focuses on the anticipation of negative outcomes, suggesting a more formal and cautious tone.

Grave anxiety

Highlights the severity of the concern, implying a significant level of unease.

Intense unease

Conveys a strong feeling of discomfort and disquiet about a situation.

Significant disquiet

Emphasizes the disturbance and lack of peace caused by the concern.

Considerable alarm

Suggests a heightened state of worry, indicating a perceived imminent danger.

Great consternation

Implies confusion and anxiety, often in response to an unexpected event.

Deeply troubled

Highlights the emotional distress and worry experienced by someone.

Extreme solicitude

Focuses on the care and attention given to a particular issue, implying a high level of concern.

Acute attentiveness

Emphasizes the focus and vigilance applied to a subject of concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound concern" to express a deep level of worry or care about something. For example: "The environmental damage caused "profound concern" among conservationists."

What can I say instead of "profound concern"?

You can use alternatives like "deep worry", "serious apprehension", or "grave anxiety" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "profound concern" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "profound concern" is generally more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, consider using simpler expressions like "very worried" or "really concerned".

What's the difference between "profound concern" and "slight concern"?

"Profound concern" indicates a deep and serious level of worry, while "slight concern" suggests a minimal level of worry. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.