serious worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a significant concern or anxiety about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The recent rise in crime rates has become a serious worry for the residents of the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But trade experts warn that protectionism remains a serious worry.

The Economist

Air transport, in particular, is a serious worry.

The Economist

"There seems to be serious worry that he isn't electable".

The New Yorker

All of which amounts to a serious worry.

The Guardian

The reports suggest that Iranian-sponsored assassinations of Iraqi officials became a serious worry.

The New York Times

But a slowdown in China should not be a serious worry for Brazil.

The Economist

Kemp also spoke of a "serious worry" since the loss of repertory theatre.

The Guardian

Schwarzer did not have a serious worry from the 41st minute.

The Guardian - Sport

So allegations that LIBOR (the London inter-bank offered rate) has been manipulated are a serious worry.

The Economist

But the statement added: "The nature of the Freedom Party and its uncertain evolution remains cause for serious worry.

The New York Times

The only serious worry was a lack of calcium, a problem handled by adding ground chalk to bread flour.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious worry" to clearly express a significant concern, especially when emphasizing the potential negative consequences of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "serious worry" in overly casual or informal conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "concern" or "issue" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious worry" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "worry". It typically acts as the subject complement or object in a sentence, expressing a state of concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious worry" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a significant level of concern. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts indicates its suitability for various communication styles, though it is most frequently found in news and media. Alternative phrases such as "grave concern" or "significant concern" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using "serious worry", ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation and avoids overuse in casual settings. Ultimately, the expression serves to highlight the potential negative implications of a given issue, prompting attention and possible action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave concern

Substitutes "serious" with "grave", implying a deeper level of worry.

significant concern

Replaces "serious" with "significant", indicating importance.

major apprehension

Uses "apprehension" instead of "worry", suggesting anxiety or fear.

deep anxiety

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of worry with "deep anxiety".

alarming issue

Focuses on the problematic nature of the situation rather than the feeling of worry.

troubling matter

Highlights the disruptive and concerning nature of the subject.

cause for alarm

Shifts the focus to the reason for worry, suggesting a need for attention.

reason for concern

More directly states that there is a justification for worry.

matter of unease

Uses "unease" to soften the intensity of "worry", implying mild discomfort.

point of anxiety

Identifies a specific aspect causing worry.

FAQs

How can I use "serious worry" in a sentence?

You can use "serious worry" to express a significant concern about something. For example: "The increasing pollution levels are a "serious worry" for environmentalists."

What can I say instead of "serious worry"?

You can use alternatives like "grave concern", "significant concern", or "major apprehension" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "serious worry" or "major worry"?

"Serious worry" and "major worry" are both acceptable, but ""serious worry"" is often perceived as slightly more formal and impactful. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

When should I use "serious worry" over "minor concern"?

Use ""serious worry"" when the issue at hand has significant potential consequences or poses a substantial threat. Use "minor concern" for less impactful issues.