severe concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong level of worry or anxiety about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The committee expressed severe concern regarding the environmental impact of the proposed project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

All of those schools are now on the "severe concern" list.

The New York Times

Four percent of schools were placed in the "severe concern" category, which meant that 25 percent or more of a school's classes were flagged.

The New York Times

One school that made the "severe concern" list was Kennedy Middle School in Atlanta, which has won praise for improving after more than five years of failing to meet federal student achievement standards.

The New York Times

But the government, in its first official reaction, expressed "severe concern and dissatisfaction" about conditions that the House attached to the bill, including a new annual review of human rights, calling it an unacceptable effort to "interfere in China's internal affairs and damage China's interests".

The New York Times

Gill issued a statement to the Press Association on Saturday to confirm that he will not take up the role and expressed his severe concern at how football will change – or the lack of change – with Blatter still at the helm.

Independent

The NHS England boss told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show: "If Mark Carney is right, then that is a severe concern for the National Health Service, because it would be very dangerous if at precisely the moment the NHS is going to need extra funding, actually the economy goes into a tailspin and that funding is not there.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I would have severe concerns if it was advancing the cause of the killer, but by no means does his letter do that," she said.

The New York Times

Suicides by police officers and firefighters are on the increase, leading to severe concerns about the mental health of people working and volunteering for the emergency services.

The Guardian

International trade unions have expressed severe concerns over the possibility of Sheikh Salman al-Khalifa standing for the Fifa presidency due to his alleged links with the 2011 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Bahrain.

The Guardian - Sport

Asked about the leadership of Vote Leave, Baker said: "Given the severe concerns of my colleagues it's quite clear there are going to have to be material changes in Vote Leave in order to carry parliamentarians with the campaign".

The Guardian

Duncan Smith, the former work and pensions secretary, said he still had severe concerns about the backstop and had not been won round by the pledges in the draft political declaration.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing "severe concern", be specific about the cause of the concern to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Instead of a generic statement, provide context or details to illustrate the basis for your worry.

Common error

Avoid using "severe concern" excessively in contexts where a milder expression of worry would suffice. Overuse can diminish the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Ensure the situation genuinely warrants a strong expression of concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a verb (e.g., express, raise, have). It signifies a state of heightened worry or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe concern" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating a high level of worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While not as common as some other phrases, it finds use across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific reporting. When employing "severe concern", ensure the context warrants such a strong expression and be specific about the underlying cause. Alternatives such as "deep apprehension" or "grave worries" can provide nuanced variations. By understanding its appropriate usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively convey the intended level of concern in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave worries

This alternative uses a more serious adjective ("grave") to characterize the level of concern.

deep apprehension

This alternative uses a stronger noun ("apprehension") to emphasize the level of worry.

profound anxiety

This alternative shifts the focus to the feeling of anxiety, highlighting the emotional impact.

extreme alarm

This alternative highlights the urgency and intensity of the concern.

serious misgivings

This alternative suggests doubts or reservations, implying a concern about potential negative outcomes.

acute disquiet

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary ("acute", "disquiet") to convey a sense of unease.

intense disquietude

This alternative uses a more formal and intensified version of "disquiet".

considerable unease

This alternative uses a milder adjective ("considerable") to express concern with less intensity.

utmost solicitude

This alternative shifts the focus to a caring and protective concern.

significant reservations

This alternative expresses hesitations or doubts about something.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "severe concern" in a sentence?

Use "severe concern" to convey a strong feeling of worry or apprehension about something. For example, "The board expressed "severe concern" regarding the company's declining profits."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "severe concern"?

Alternatives include "deep apprehension", "grave worries", or "profound anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "serious concern" or "severe concern"?

"Severe concern" indicates a stronger level of worry than "serious concern". The best choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to express. If the worry is very high, "severe" is more appropriate.

What differentiates "severe concern" from "slight concern"?

"Severe concern" implies a high degree of worry and potential negative consequences, while "slight concern" indicates a minimal level of worry and less significant implications. The choice depends on the actual impact and probability of a certain event or outcome.