reason for concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason for concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or issue that raises worry or anxiety. Example: "The recent increase in cyber attacks is a reason for concern among businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Reason for concern As part of the brief intervention, physicians of group 2 and 3 will record the reason for concern on the registration form.

BMC Pediatrics

There's reason for concern".

The New York Times

Spaniards have reason for concern.

The Economist

But Israel has real reason for concern.

The New York Times

He has every reason for concern.

The New York Times - Sports

But there is some reason for concern.

The New Yorker

There was good reason for concern.

The New Yorker

Not every practitioner finds reason for concern.

The New Yorker

Mr. Geithner has reason for concern.

The New York Times

No apparent reason for concern.

The New York Times - Sports

There is reason for concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reason for concern", clearly articulate the specific reason to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "There is reason for concern", specify "The lack of funding is a reason for concern".

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "There is reason for concern" without specifying the subject of the worry. Always clarify the specific issue that causes the concern to make your communication effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason for concern" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific justification or basis for worry, anxiety, or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reason for concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that pinpoints a cause for worry. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability across various sources. The phrase's versatility allows it to fit into diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and business domains. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify the concern directly, avoiding generalizations. Alternatives like "cause for alarm" or "source of worry" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Remembering to provide specific reasons and avoid broad statements ensures effective communication and clarity when expressing worry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause for alarm

This alternative suggests a more immediate and potentially urgent sense of worry compared to "reason for concern".

source of worry

This phrase highlights the origin or basis of the concern, rather than just the presence of concern itself.

matter of anxiety

This alternative emphasizes the psychological impact of the concern, focusing on the anxiety it provokes.

grounds for apprehension

This phrase suggests a more formal and considered assessment of the reasons behind the concern.

basis for disquiet

This alternative implies a subtle but pervasive feeling of unease, rather than overt worry.

justification for unease

This alternative highlights the validity and rationale behind feeling uneasy about something.

warrant for worry

This phrase emphasizes that the worry is not unfounded and is based on legitimate reasons.

excuse for trepidation

This suggests that trepidation is an understandable response to the situation, almost as if it were justified.

occasion for solicitude

This phrase indicates a situation that calls for care and attentiveness, expressing concern through active consideration.

pretext for anxiety

This suggests that the concern is somewhat unfounded, as "pretext" implies an excuse.

FAQs

What is the difference between "cause for concern" and "reason for concern"?

While both phrases are largely interchangeable, "cause for concern" might suggest a more direct and immediate instigator of worry, whereas "reason for concern" may refer to a more considered basis for anxiety.

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

You can use "reason for concern" to highlight a worrying issue. For example: "The increasing pollution levels are a significant reason for concern."

What are some alternatives to "reason for concern"?

You can use alternatives such as "cause for alarm", "source of worry", or "matter of anxiety" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "reason for concern"?

The phrase "reason for concern" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. However, ensure the context warrants genuine worry to avoid misusing the phrase.