the first concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the first concern' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the top priority in a particular matter. For example, "The first concern when dealing with a difficult customer is to remain professional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first concern can be legality.

The New York Times

His health is obviously the first concern.

The New York Times - Sports

The first concern is the most critical.

Harvard Business Review

The first concern he cited was search bias.

The New York Times - Tech

But the first concern he cited was search bias.

The New York Times

For most women, the first concern is safety.

The New York Times - Health

Immediately after the attacks, the first concern was for security.

The Guardian

As always with gardening, the first concern is the weather.

The Guardian

The first concern, Williams said, should be for the victim and her family.

The New York Times - Sports

Election.com's use of secure technology, audited by KPMG, addressed the first concern about security.

The Guardian

Cameron told the Commons that the "first concern" remained the safety of UK nationals in Egypt.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the first concern" to introduce the most immediate or pressing issue before delving into less critical aspects.

Common error

Avoid only focusing on what you establish as "the first concern". Ensure that other important, though perhaps secondary, issues are also adequately addressed to provide a well-rounded approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It introduces the most immediate or pressing issue to be addressed in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight the most pressing issue in a given situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register and frequent appearance in news, scientific, and business contexts underscore its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by stating subsequent concerns, and avoid fixating solely on the initial issue to foster a comprehensive approach. Related alternatives include "the primary concern" and "the main priority", each offering subtle nuances in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary concern

Replaces "first" with "primary", emphasizing the main importance.

the main priority

Shifts from 'concern' to 'priority', highlighting what is most important.

the initial focus

Focuses on the starting point of attention rather than worry.

the top priority

Highlights the most important item among several.

the foremost consideration

Uses a more formal word, "foremost", instead of "first" and replaces 'concern' with 'consideration'.

the chief worry

Emphasizes the aspect of anxiety or worry, changing 'concern' to 'worry'.

the principal issue

Replaces concern with "issue", focusing on a specific problem.

the most pressing matter

Highlights urgency and importance using "pressing matter" instead of concern.

the key objective

Shifts from a problem-oriented view to a goal-oriented one.

the starting point

Focuses on where to begin, instead of an overriding worry or priority.

FAQs

How can I use "the first concern" in a sentence?

Use "the first concern" to introduce the most pressing or immediate issue in a particular situation. For example, "The first concern is ensuring everyone's safety during the evacuation."

What are some alternatives to saying "the first concern"?

You can use alternatives such as "the primary concern", "the main priority", or "the initial focus" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "the first concern" or "the primary concern"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "The first concern" emphasizes sequence, while "the primary concern" stresses importance. The best choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What's the difference between "the first concern" and "a concern"?

"The first concern" denotes the most important or initial issue to address, while "a concern" refers to any issue that causes worry or requires attention.