the concern is whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the concern is whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific issue or question that is causing worry or uncertainty. Example: "The concern is whether the new policy will effectively address the needs of our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Here, the concern is whether Germany will let him stay.

The Guardian

The concern is whether there is more to Nadal's problems.

The New York Times - Sports

"The concern is whether he'll be 100percentt and hold up," James said.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, the concern is whether the city can clean itself up long after the Games are over.

The New York Times

But the concern is whether or not China can achieve even this level of growth, or whether a fall is about to occur.

The Guardian - Business

The concern is whether it may be Mr Simsek who gets the blame should the economy slow further and foreign investors take fright.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Instead, the concern was "whether this should be an all-inclusive list". Ibid.

Cornell University

It is probably more difficult for the mother; for me the concern was whether she was O.K.

The New York Times

Hamilton said the concern was whether Rubio did recruiting work and contacted players while he was at the high school.

The New York Times - Sports

The concern was whether it was proper to take into consideration some past remarks made by Mr. Hollander — remarks that some felt were disturbing — in bestowing the medal.

The New York Times

"The concern was whether Microsoft could buy recognition, and readers, with its marketing might.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the concern is whether", ensure that the 'whether' clause clearly articulates the specific uncertainty or potential problem. For example, "The concern is whether the company can maintain its current growth rate."

Common error

Avoid replacing 'whether' with 'that' after "the concern is". The correct structure maintains grammatical accuracy and clarity: "The concern is whether the project will be completed on time", not "The concern is that the project will be completed on time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the concern is whether" functions as an introductory clause that sets up a question or expresses uncertainty about a specific issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the concern is whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a question or express uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news media, scientific, and academic writing. To ensure clarity, always follow the phrase with a well-defined 'whether' clause. Avoid replacing 'whether' with 'that' and consider alternative phrases like "the question is whether" or "the issue is whether" to suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the worry is if

Replaces "concern" with "worry" and "whether" with "if", slightly altering the tone to be more anxious.

the issue is whether

Substitutes "concern" with "issue", focusing on the problem or matter at hand.

the question is whether

Uses "question" instead of "concern", shifting the emphasis to inquiry and investigation.

the problem is whether

Replaces "concern" with "problem", highlighting the potentially negative consequences.

the main thing is whether

Adds emphasis by specifying that the following question is of primary importance.

a key consideration is whether

Introduces a more formal tone by using "key consideration".

the central point is whether

Focuses on the most important aspect of the situation.

the real debate is whether

Highlights a disagreement or discussion about the topic.

it hinges on whether

Indicates that the outcome depends entirely on the answer to the "whether" clause.

the crux of the matter is whether

Emphasizes that the following question is the most critical part of the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "the concern is whether" to introduce a question or uncertainty about a future event or condition. For example, "The concern is whether the new regulations will stifle innovation."

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

You can use alternatives like "the question is whether", "the issue is whether", or "the worry is if", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "the concern is that" is also grammatically correct, it implies a statement of fact about the concern. "The concern is whether" introduces a question or uncertainty, making it more suitable when exploring possibilities or doubts.

What's the difference between "the concern is whether" and "the main thing is whether"?

"The concern is whether" introduces a general worry or uncertainty. "The main thing is whether" emphasizes that the following question is the most important consideration among several factors.