source of consternation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of consternation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes feelings of anxiety, worry, or confusion. Example: "The sudden changes in the company's policy became a source of consternation among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

This had been a source of consternation for some time.

The Guardian - Film

The source of consternation — as it usually is in this city — is the Rangers-Celtic rivalry.

The New York Times - Sports

Whatever happens, the Walker estate is likely to remain a source of consternation.

The New York Times

The fact that the law values one of their marriages over another is a source of consternation, Ms. Pedersen said.

The New York Times

His political career is a source of consternation to many in France — among them former friends and colleagues.

The New Yorker

No one had yet mentioned the dreaded I-word, an increasing source of consternation in recent weeks for Kiffin and his college football counterparts.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The source of more consternation all season, however, is the timing of that power.

The New York Times - Sports

For those moving back now, the idea that they are pushing others out is the source of much consternation.

The New York Times

The source of the consternation emerges – a man on a horse, plodding down an avenue of hovels, scattering the frightened locals.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The league has not sponsored the Vegas tournament, a source of some consternation to the organizers, especially Marjorie Troum, the tournament's namesake and its director.

The New York Times - Travel

The rise of such mega-galleries has been a source of some consternation for contemporary art followers, many of whom like to imagine art as a spiritual escape from corporate culture.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "source of consternation" instead of more informal alternatives to add a touch of sophistication and precision to your expression.

Common error

Avoid using "source of consternation" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "cause of worry" or "problem" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of consternation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies something that causes significant worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of consternation" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe something that causes worry, anxiety, or frustration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is accurate and effective for usage. Appearing most frequently in News & Media, it also has a presence in Encyclopedias and Scientific writing, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While "cause of concern" and similar alternatives exist, "source of consternation" offers a more sophisticated tone. It is thus beneficial to reserve its use for professional or formal contexts, and avoiding overuse in casual conversation. Always aim for clarity in your writing by making sure your choice aligns with your intended register and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause of anxiety

Replaces 'source' with 'cause', maintaining the focus on anxiety but with slightly less formal language.

reason for concern

Substitutes both 'source' and 'consternation' with more common and simpler terms.

matter of concern

Similar to 'reason for concern' but emphasizes the importance or seriousness of the issue.

cause for alarm

Emphasizes a higher degree of worry or urgency compared to the original phrase.

root of apprehension

Uses more formal and literary language, highlighting the anticipation of future trouble.

origin of disquiet

Replaces 'source' with 'origin' and 'consternation' with 'disquiet', both of which are slightly less common.

basis for unease

Uses 'basis' instead of 'source' and 'unease' instead of 'consternation', making it slightly less intense.

area of friction

Shifts the focus to conflict or disagreement rather than simple worry or anxiety.

point of contention

Highlights that the subject is something that causes disagreement or argument.

bone of contention

An idiomatic expression indicating a subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "source of consternation" in a sentence?

The phrase is used to indicate something that causes worry or anxiety. For example: "The new company policy became a "source of consternation" among employees."

What are some alternatives to "source of consternation"?

You can use alternatives like "cause of concern", "reason for anxiety", or "matter of concern" depending on the specific context.

Is "source of consternation" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "source of consternation" is suitable for formal writing and adds a level of sophistication. However, consider your audience and ensure the tone aligns with the overall context.

What's the difference between "source of consternation" and "cause of concern"?

"Source of consternation" is a more formal and nuanced way of saying "cause of concern". While both indicate worry, "source of consternation" often implies a more persistent or complex issue.