something to worry about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something to worry about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a concern or issue that may cause anxiety or distress. Example: "The recent rise in crime rates is something to worry about for the residents of the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Something to worry about indeed.

The Economist

"Markets look for something to worry about," he noted.

The New York Times

"He really has added a great dimension to give other teams something to worry about," Russell said.

The New York Times - Sports

The Hurricanes had given the Devils something to worry about by winning two games after New Jersey won the first three.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is always something to worry about," said Mr. Pouder, who, like many nurserymen, has a well on the premises.

The New York Times

"It gives your brain something to worry about," says Slung Low's Alan Lane, who has created several city-wide promenades.

The Guardian

That is something to worry about.

The New Yorker

IS AMERICAN exceptionalism something to worry about?

The Economist

Is this really something to worry about?

The Guardian - Tech

It's not something to worry about, necessarily.

The New York Times - Travel

That should give any control freak something to worry about.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "reason for concern" or "matter of concern" to avoid repetition and enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "something to worry about" multiple times in a single paragraph or short piece of writing. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, use alternative phrases or rephrase the sentence to convey the same meaning in a more varied way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something to worry about" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific issue or situation causing concern. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, highlighting potential problems or anxieties. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something to worry about" is a common and grammatically correct way to express concern or highlight a potential problem. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions as a noun phrase and is appropriate for various contexts, but most frequently appears in news and media. While there are several alternatives, such as ""reason for concern"" or ""matter of concern"", it's important to avoid overuse and clearly identify the specific issue causing concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for concern

Focuses on the justification for worry, highlighting the underlying cause.

cause for anxiety

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of worry, suggesting potential distress.

matter of concern

Presents the issue as requiring attention and consideration.

source of unease

Highlights the feeling of discomfort or apprehension.

point of apprehension

Focuses on a specific aspect that induces fear or worry.

grounds for disquiet

Suggests a valid basis for feeling unsettled or anxious.

area of vulnerability

Indicates a weakness or susceptibility that could lead to problems.

risk factor

Identifies a variable associated with an increased probability of a negative outcome.

potential problem

Highlights the possibility of difficulties arising in the future.

possible pitfall

Suggests a hidden danger or trap that could lead to failure.

FAQs

How can I use "something to worry about" in a sentence?

Use "something to worry about" to refer to a situation or issue that is causing concern or anxiety. For example, "The rising cost of living is "something to worry about" for many families."

What are some alternatives to "something to worry about"?

Alternatives include "reason for concern", "cause for anxiety", or "matter of concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "something to be worried about" instead of "something to worry about"?

While "something to be worried about" is grammatically correct, ""something to worry about"" is more concise and commonly used. The former can sometimes sound slightly more formal.

In what contexts is "something to worry about" most appropriate?

"Something to worry about" is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from informal conversations to news reports, when discussing potential problems or sources of anxiety. The suitability depends on the overall tone and the specific audience.