secondary concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secondary concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is of lesser importance compared to other issues or priorities. Example: "While the budget is a primary concern, employee satisfaction is a secondary concern that we must also address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a secondary concern.

Independent

Sightseeing is a secondary concern.

The Economist

Consequences were of secondary concern.

The New Yorker

But Esther's milieu is a secondary concern.

The New York Times

Understanding activities is a secondary concern.

Interacting with Computers

They are explorable but only as a secondary concern.

The Guardian - Tech

But literature, to him, was a secondary concern.

The New Yorker

To these men, environmental damage is of secondary concern.

The New York Times

The interests of employees were relegated to a secondary concern.

The Washington Post

For now, the detritus is of secondary concern.

The New York Times

In today's panic, perhaps, that is a secondary concern.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secondary concern", ensure the primary concern is clearly defined to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "secondary concern" when the issue is truly insignificant. Overstating its importance can dilute the focus on genuine primary concerns and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary concern" functions as a noun phrase, where "secondary" modifies the noun "concern". It indicates something that is important but not the main focus or priority. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secondary concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote something of lesser importance than a primary focus. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears extensively in news, media, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. When incorporating "secondary concern" into your writing, prioritize clarity by explicitly stating the primary concern to provide context. Avoid using it when the matter is truly insignificant, and instead choose alternatives like "lesser priority" or "minor issue" for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lesser priority

Emphasizes the reduced level of importance compared to other items.

minor issue

Highlights the insignificance or small scale of the problem.

subordinate consideration

Suggests a lower rank in terms of importance or attention.

lower-level priority

Directly indicates that something is not as important as other things.

peripheral matter

Implies the issue is on the edge or not central.

subsidiary issue

Similar to subordinate, indicating a supporting or less important role.

ancillary worry

Suggests the concern is supplemental or additional to the main one.

tertiary focus

Indicates that attention is directed elsewhere and this is less of a focus.

inessential detail

Focuses on the lack of necessity or importance of the specific aspect.

non-critical aspect

Indicates the aspect is not vital or crucial.

FAQs

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

You can use "secondary concern" to indicate that something is less important than the primary issue. For example, "While the budget is a primary concern, employee satisfaction is a "secondary concern" that we must also address."

What phrases are similar to "secondary concern"?

Similar phrases include "lesser priority", "minor issue", or "subordinate consideration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "secondary concern"?

Yes, the phrase "secondary concern" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English writing and speech. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various reliable sources.

When is it appropriate to use "secondary concern" versus "primary concern"?

"Primary concern" should be used for the most important issue needing attention, while "secondary concern" is for issues that are still important but less urgent or impactful. Understanding this distinction ensures clarity in communication.