spark concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

"spark concerns" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to indicate that something has caused people to worry about a particular issue. For example, "The recent rise in unemployment has sparked concerns about the health of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

* Spanish and Italian political uncertainty spark concerns.

Huffington Post

The incident could spark concerns over possible terrorists entering the US through Central America and Mexico.

Vice

In June, scientists told West Coast seafood fans not to "freak out," but the question about safety continues to spark concerns.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There were real deficiencies here to spark concern, rather than conspiracy theories to expose.

The Guardian - Sport

China Deaths Spark Concern About Novel Avian Flu Strain.

Science Magazine

But in the desperate circumstances under which most of our families live, violations of our human rights are common and fail to spark concern among others.

Unicef

Apple's prior rules sparked concerns among many publishers.

The New York Times - Tech

The company forecast profits below Wall Street's estimates, sparking concerns about technology spending.

The New York Times

The mandatory data retention scheme has sparked concerns from civil liberties groups and some Liberal backbenchers.

The Guardian

The proposed has sparked concerns that it could inflame racial tensions.

The Guardian

The apparent rebuke sparked concerns that ministers cannot agree policy on leaving the EU.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spark concerns" to introduce a topic or event that has led to worry or apprehension, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The company's new policy sparked concerns among employees about job security."

Common error

While "spark concerns" is acceptable in formal and news-related writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "make people worry" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark concerns" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "spark" acts as a transitive verb, taking "concerns" as its direct object. This indicates that something is actively causing or initiating worry. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spark concerns" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to indicate that something has triggered worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in science and formal business settings. When writing, consider using synonyms like ""raise concerns"" or ""trigger worries"" depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of overusing this phrase in informal conversations, where simpler language might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trigger worries

Replaces "concerns" with a synonym, slightly altering the tone.

raise anxieties

Substitutes both "spark" and "concerns" with alternatives that convey a stronger sense of unease.

ignite fears

Uses more intense vocabulary, suggesting a sudden and significant increase in fear.

cause apprehension

Employs a more formal and subdued term for "concerns".

prompt unease

Replaces "spark" with "prompt" and "concerns" with "unease", resulting in a more subtle expression.

generate disquiet

Alters both words to create a slightly more literary effect.

instill doubt

Focuses on the creation of doubt as the primary concern.

arouse suspicion

Shifts the focus to raising suspicions rather than general worries.

set off alarm bells

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a sense of imminent danger or problem.

give rise to reservations

Presents a more formal and cautious tone, highlighting hesitations.

FAQs

How can I use "spark concerns" in a sentence?

You can use "spark concerns" to indicate that something has caused worry or apprehension. For example, "The government's decision to cut funding for education has "sparked concerns" among parents and teachers."

What are some alternatives to "spark concerns"?

Some alternatives to "spark concerns" include "raise concerns", "trigger worries", or "cause apprehension". Choose the alternative that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is it better to say "spark concerns" or "raise concerns"?

Both "spark concerns" and "raise concerns" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Spark concerns" suggests a more immediate and direct cause, while "raise concerns" implies a gradual increase in worry.

What does it mean when something "sparks concerns"?

When something "sparks concerns", it means that it has caused people to feel worried, anxious, or apprehensive about a particular issue. It suggests that the event or action has triggered a sense of unease or uncertainty.