the concern is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the concern is that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a worry, fear, or thought about a situation. Example sentence: The concern is that this new policy may not be the best solution to the problem.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The concern is that has driven prices up very rapidly.

The Guardian

The concern is that Republicans will withhold approval to raise the ceiling without meaningful spending cuts.

The New York Times

The concern is that could be years away.

BBC

The concern is that closing borders doesn't work.

The New Yorker

The concern is that this flow will only increase.

The Economist

The concern is that players will become awed by her.

The New York Times - Sports

The concern is that the uneven bounce will only increase.

Independent

The concern is that they would be difficult to resell.

The New York Times

The concern is that multiple suits generate extra buoyancy.

The New York Times

The concern is that others will follow suit.

The Guardian

He added, "The concern is that the government is losing control in the outlying areas".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "the concern is that", ensure the clause that follows clearly articulates the specific worry or apprehension. Vague statements can diminish the impact of your concern.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "the concern is that" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I'm worried that" or "I'm afraid that" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the concern is that" functions as a clause introducer, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to express a worry, fear, or apprehension. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in expressing concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the concern is that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express worry or apprehension. As Ludwig AI explains, its role is to introduce a statement that highlights a potential negative outcome, making it suitable for formal, professional, and neutral contexts. While very common in News & Media, the phrase also appears in Science and Formal & Business settings, although less frequently. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly state the worry that follows to maximize clarity. Although the structure is correct, be mindful of the context; simpler alternatives may be preferable for casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the worry is that

Replaces "concern" with "worry", a synonym with a slightly less formal tone.

a concern is that

Adds an indefinite article, slightly softening the statement and making it less direct.

one concern is that

Highlights this concern as just one of potentially many.

the fear is that

Substitutes "concern" with "fear", intensifying the sense of apprehension.

it is concerning that

Changes the structure to emphasize the concerning nature of the situation.

it is a concern that

Similar to "it is concerning that", but slightly less direct.

what's concerning is that

Focuses on what is causing the concern.

the apprehension is that

Uses "apprehension" for a more formal and nuanced expression of worry.

the problem is that

Shifts focus to identifying an existing problem.

a major concern is that

Emphasizes the significance of the concern.

FAQs

How can I use "the concern is that" in a sentence?

Use "the concern is that" to introduce a specific worry or apprehension about a situation. For example, "The concern is that the new policy will increase costs".

What are some alternatives to "the concern is that"?

You can use phrases like "the worry is that", "the fear is that", or "it is concerning that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a concern is that" instead of "the concern is that"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "the concern is that" implies a more significant or pre-existing worry, while "a concern is that" introduces a new or less prominent worry.

What's the difference between "the concern is that" and "the problem is that"?

"The concern is that" expresses a worry about a potential negative outcome. "The problem is that" identifies a present issue that needs resolution.