the key concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the most important issue or matter in a particular context. Example: "In our meeting, we identified the key concern regarding the project's timeline and budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The key concern here is people's emotional wellbeing," he said.

The Guardian

For Vlambeer, the key concern is finishing Nuclear Throne.

The Guardian - Tech

The key concern felt by conservationists revolves around regulation.

The Guardian

Walsh said: "The key concern we had was making sure that the technology was mature enough.

The Guardian - Business

Moreover, while lack of information or a dearth of confidence were factors, finances remained the key concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

The home secretary, Amber Rudd, said she sympathised with those caught up in the chaos but insisted security was the key concern.

The Guardian

Balance was always the key concern with CoD4, given its intriguing rank-up system which rewards experience points with special skills (or 'perks') and more advanced weaponry.

The Guardian - Tech

At the heart of the volatility is uncertainty about the direction of the global economy, and the  key concern remains China.

Independent

Not everyone is so enthusiastic though, with the key concern being that the longer the maximum clip length, the greater the danger that advertising creatives will take the safe option when addressing it.

The Guardian - Tech

I know that for a lot of my colleagues in both children's and adult services, the key concern is how to recruit and retain good social workers at all levels".

The Guardian

Consider, for instance, the fact that, at meeting after meeting, research council and funding council representatives have parroted the mantra that the broadest possible dissemination must be the key concern for funders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "primary issue" or "main worry" when aiming for a less formal tone. While "the key concern" is appropriate for most situations, these alternatives can sometimes sound more conversational.

Common error

Avoid repeating "the key concern" too frequently within a single paragraph or document. This can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing the idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important issue or worry, acting as a central point of focus. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key concern" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to identify the most important issue in various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it is common across diverse domains such as news, science, and business, remember to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrasing for stylistic variation. This phrase is suitable for formal communication, but always ensure clarity and context to emphasize the highlighted issue's significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main worry

Replaces "concern" with "worry", a more informal term for anxiety.

the primary issue

Substitutes "concern" with "issue", shifting the focus to a problem or matter needing resolution.

the central problem

Replaces "concern" with "problem", highlighting a difficulty that needs to be addressed.

the principal anxiety

Substitutes "key" with "principal" and "concern" with "anxiety", emphasizing a feeling of unease.

the major preoccupation

Replaces "concern" with "preoccupation", suggesting a dominant or absorbing worry.

the fundamental question

Replaces "concern" with "question", framing the issue as a matter for inquiry or debate.

the overriding consideration

Substitutes "concern" with "consideration", emphasizing a factor that must be taken into account.

the chief apprehension

Replaces "concern" with "apprehension", highlighting a fear or worry about the future.

the dominant fear

Replaces "concern" with "fear", emphasizing a feeling of alarm or dread.

the most important thing

Replaces the entire phrase with a simpler, more direct expression of importance.

FAQs

What does "the key concern" mean?

The phrase "the key concern" refers to the most important or significant issue, problem, or worry in a particular situation or context. It highlights what is considered the central focus of attention or apprehension.

What can I say instead of "the key concern"?

You can use alternatives like "the main worry", "the primary issue", or "the central problem" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "the key concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "the key concern" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to highlight the most important issue. However, consider the specific tone you want to convey; alternatives might be more fitting in certain contexts.

How do I emphasize the importance of "the key concern" in my writing?

To emphasize its importance, clearly establish the context and any other, less significant concerns. Use strong verbs and descriptive language to highlight the potential impact or consequences of not addressing "the key concern".