significant worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a concern that is considerable or important in nature. Example: "The recent rise in cyberattacks has become a significant worry for many businesses trying to protect their data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Of course, with so much data stored electronically these days, privacy is a significant worry.

The New York Times

"It's a significant worry because the more they spread it around, the higher the risk something gets loose".

The New York Times

"It's our significant worry that corporate profits in the nonfinancial part of the system are likely to be weak over the next couple of years," Mr. Inker said.

The New York Times

A more significant worry is that anything that could confuse matters is the last thing that hard-pressed security staff need.

Independent

Professor Murie has another, more significant worry about the revived right-to-buy: increasing numbers of right-to-buy homes are sold onto private landlords rather than new homeowners.

The Guardian

And for years the response from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been the same: the threat of terrorism on American soil is too remote to make it a significant worry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

French banks, though, continue to face significant worries.

The New York Times

Business contacts in Atlanta and Chicago said economic activity slowed in June and July, with significant worries in Atlanta related to the Gulf Coast oil spill.

The New York Times

Pete Campbell, a hospital doctor in the north-east who undertook the survey with the assistance of the British Medical Association, said: "This survey is just a snapshot of medical understaffing, which is going on on a significant, worrying and dangerous scale.

The Guardian

However, a source in one of the campaigns said there were still "significant worries" about problems with the integrity of the contest that had not been allayed by Harman's briefing.

The Guardian

His prologue to "Slapstick" says, "I find it natural to discuss life without ever mentioning love," and his fiction, stoic in an epicurean time, does have a pre-sexual, pre-social freshness; he worries about the sort of things — the future, injustice, science, destiny — that twelve-year-old boys worry about, and if most boys move on, it is not necessarily into more significant worries.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant worry", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject of the worry is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "significant worry" for minor concerns. Save it for situations where the potential consequences are genuinely substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant worry" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "worry". It describes a state of concern that is considerable or important. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "significant worry" is a grammatically sound and usable expression denoting a notable level of concern. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and can be used to express a considerable or important concern. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, this phrase suits both formal and neutral registers. When incorporating "significant worry" into your writing, ensure you contextualize the worry clearly and reserve its use for genuinely substantial issues. Alternatives such as "serious concern" or "major apprehension" can add nuance, depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious concern

Focuses on the gravity of the concern, emphasizing its importance.

major apprehension

Highlights the feeling of anxiety or unease associated with the concern.

grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the worry.

considerable anxiety

Shifts the focus to the emotional impact, emphasizing the level of anxiety.

substantial unease

Implies a significant level of discomfort or disquiet about a situation.

notable cause for concern

Highlights that the situation is worthy of attention and worry.

chief source of anxiety

Identifies the primary factor causing worry or stress.

primary reason for concern

Focuses on the fundamental basis for the worry.

pressing concern

Indicates that the worry requires immediate attention and action.

primary source of apprehension

Identifies the main driver of the feeling of worry or fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant worry" to express a notable concern about something. For example, "The lack of funding is a significant worry for the project's future."

What phrases are similar to "significant worry"?

Alternatives include "serious concern", "major apprehension", or "grave concern", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "significant worry" in formal writing?

Yes, "significant worry" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a serious concern in a clear and professional manner. Ensure the context justifies the level of concern expressed.

What's the difference between "significant worry" and "minor concern"?

"Significant worry" implies a substantial issue with potentially serious consequences, while "minor concern" refers to a less important matter that doesn't cause substantial anxiety. Consider the impact when choosing your words.