something to be concerned

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that may require attention or action. For example: "The rising levels of pollution are something to be concerned about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is really not something to be concerned about".

The New York Times

For the first time in 26 days, the Knicks have something to be concerned about.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not as if Russians do not have something to be concerned about.

The New York Times

So is the U.S. trade deficit with China something to be concerned about?

The Washington Post

"That's a wild card, certainly something to be concerned about," he acknowledged.

The New York Times

But is picky eating among young children really something to be concerned about?

The New York Times - Health

A. A brown-colored spot anywhere on the skin that's getting larger is always something to be concerned about.

Harvard University

General Manager Sandy Alderson chuckled when asked by a reporter if Francisco's latest injury was something to be concerned about.

The New York Times

"But clearly it's something to be concerned about and may be contributing to blood lead levels throughout the city".

The New York Times

Definitely something to be concerned about, now that we are almost 1/3 of the way through the season.

The Guardian - Sport

And it underscores the problem with labeling, namely, that it suggests that the presence of GMOs is something to be concerned about, though scientifically speaking, it is not.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by your audience. While generally acceptable, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "matter of concern".

Common error

Avoid using "something to be concerned" when the situation warrants a stronger term like "cause for alarm" or "reason for panic". Accurately reflect the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something to be concerned" functions as a predicate nominative or complement, identifying a subject as a cause for worry or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something to be concerned" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a situation warrants attention or worry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. While versatile, it's important to use it appropriately, considering the context and the level of alarm that needs to be conveyed. As the examples from Ludwig demonstrate, this phrase appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific sources, signifying its broad applicability across different registers. Remembering to clearly specify what that 'something' is helps maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something to worry about

Slightly more informal and direct, focusing on worry as the primary emotion.

matter of concern

More formal and emphasizes the importance of the issue.

reason for concern

More concise and focuses on the justification for worry or attention.

point of worry

Focuses specifically on the aspect causing anxiety, rather than the general state.

cause for alarm

Indicates a higher level of urgency and potential danger compared to general concern.

source of anxiety

Identifies the origin or trigger of anxious feelings.

ground for apprehension

Highlights the anticipation of negative outcomes, adding a layer of anxiety.

subject of disquiet

More formal and emphasizes a lack of tranquility or peace of mind.

area of unease

Emphasizes discomfort and lack of peace regarding a particular situation.

issue demanding attention

Shifts focus from worry to the need for action and resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "something to be concerned" in a sentence?

You can use "something to be concerned" to express that a particular situation or issue warrants attention or worry. For example, "The increasing pollution levels are "something to be concerned" about".

What are some alternatives to "something to be concerned"?

Alternatives include "something to worry about", "reason for concern", or "matter of concern". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "something to be concerned about" grammatically correct?

Yes, "something to be concerned about" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English. It's a common way to express concern about a particular issue.

What's the difference between "something to be concerned" and "something to be worried"?

While the phrases are similar, "something to be concerned" often implies a more reasoned and considered assessment of a situation, while "something to be worried" suggests a more emotional or anxious reaction. Both are valid, but the nuance differs.