slight concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something is of slight concern to you. For example: "I have a slight concern about his state of health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Ms. Shapiro called that "sort of a slight concern" and admitted to a few jitters.

The New York Times

There was cause for slight concern at the very start of the episode, though, when Berry got her spiraliser out.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Protection of slavery was no slight concern to the founders: it was one factor leading to the American revolution.

The Guardian - Opinion

George [Burgess] got a knock in the first five minutes and James Graham is a slight concern but I don't think they are major".

The Guardian - Sport

What is of slight concern, however, is that Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly being lined up to play Bernard Marx, the story's ultimate, uncomfortable-in-his-own-skin outcast.

The Guardian - Film

Of slight concern to Hawks supporters was the sight of Gunston hobbling off the ground with an ankle complaint and he'll be closely monitored this coming week.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

But Primark owner Associated British Foods is missing out on the rally, down 20p at £32.76 as Societe General reduced its recommendation from buy to hold on valuation grounds and some slight concerns about its US expansion.

The Guardian - Business

England have a strong pool of fast bowlers, though there are slight concerns over Chris Woakes's ability to take wickets overseas – he has eight in seven Tests – and major worries that Steven Finn, who bowled thrillingly in South Africa only a year ago but was unselected in India, will never deliver on his huge potential.

The Guardian - Sport

The club's record scorer admitted to slight concerns that the club had to borrow money from Easdale and Laxey Partners but said he had been assured it was part of a plan drawn up by the board to see the club out of danger after last year's £14.4m loss.

The Guardian - Sport

"Obviously there are slight concerns about making sure this is something that is not repeated".

BBC

McCoist admitted to slight concerns that the club had to borrow £1.5m but stressed he had been assured it was part of the board's plan to see the club out of danger after last year's £14.4m losses.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight concern" to introduce a potential problem without causing alarm or exaggerating the issue. It's suitable when acknowledging a risk that is currently small but requires monitoring.

Common error

Avoid using "slight concern" when the issue is significant or has already caused substantial problems. Using it in such cases can downplay the seriousness of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence, to express a mild feeling of worry or apprehension. It serves to introduce a potential problem or issue that isn't overly alarming, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight concern" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a mild level of worry or apprehension. As Ludwig confirms, it functions as a noun phrase suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. The phrase serves to signal potential issues that require attention without causing alarm. Related phrases include "mild apprehension" and "minor worry". When using "slight concern", be sure not to overstate the issue and reserve it for truly minor issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mild apprehension

Indicates a lighter degree of worry compared to "slight concern".

minor worry

Emphasizes the insignificance of the concern.

small anxiety

Highlights the emotional aspect of the concern, portraying it as a small source of anxiety.

passing unease

Suggests that the concern is temporary and not deeply felt.

fleeting worry

Similar to 'passing unease' but highlights the brief duration of the worry.

minimal disquiet

Indicates a very low level of disturbance or unease.

negligible apprehension

Suggests that the apprehension is so small as to be almost nonexistent.

a touch of anxiety

Presents the concern as a subtle hint of anxiety.

a shade of worry

Portrays the worry as being only a slight variation or degree.

mere reservation

Focuses on the aspect of doubt or hesitation that accompanies the concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight concern" to express a mild worry or apprehension about something. For example: "There is a "slight concern" that the project might be delayed."

What are some alternatives to "slight concern"?

Alternatives to "slight concern" include "minor worry", "mild apprehension", or "small anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "slight concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight concern" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral and professional way to express a low level of worry without being overly dramatic.

What's the difference between "slight concern" and "major concern"?

"Slight concern" indicates a minor issue that needs attention, while "major concern" suggests a significant problem that requires immediate action. The choice depends on the severity and potential impact of the issue.