the key concern is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key concern is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to highlight the most important issue or matter in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In our analysis of the project, the key concern is the budget constraints that may affect our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

For Vlambeer, the key concern is finishing Nuclear Throne.

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

The key concern is that when the countries and leaders involved want to de-escalate the rhetoric at some stage in the future, they may find themselves hoist by their own sectarian petard.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the individualistic framing, the key concern is individual control.

European Journal of Futures Research

The key concern is whether their network infrastructure is up to task.

TechCrunch

The key concern is the stability of the RNA in the tissue until the RNA isolation procedure commences.

RNA Methodologies A Laboratory Guide for Isolation and Characterization

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

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

These studies raise many concerns, according to the study design, with the key concern being the likely non-comparability of groups, for example, in different geographical areas.

British Journal of Cancer

One of the key concerns is the possible influence of material anisotropy on the bending resistance of the resulting fabricated tube.

Construction and Building Materials

This is important in Ethio-China trade relations because, the WTO as an international trade organization has been working on the strengthening of the rules, and therefore one of the key concerns is transparency of trade practices of countries.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

One of the key concerns was sustainability after the end of the SAIDR project.

EcoHealth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the key concern is", ensure it clearly introduces the most significant issue. Avoid burying it within less important details. Start the sentence with the phrase to highlight its importance.

Common error

A common mistake is to present several concerns and then label one as "the key concern" without sufficient justification. Ensure that the identified concern truly outweighs others in importance and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key concern is" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it. It introduces the most important worry, problem, or issue at hand, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key concern is" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce the most important issue or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While it appears more frequently in scientific and news-related domains, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When using this phrase, clarity and justification are essential to avoid misidentifying the primary concern. Alternatives like "the main worry is" or "the primary issue is" can be used for similar effect. Overall, "the key concern is" is a valuable tool for effective communication, helping to prioritize and focus attention on what matters most.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The main worry is

Replaces "concern" with a more informal synonym, "worry".

The primary issue is

Substitutes "key concern" with "primary issue", focusing on the most important problem.

The major preoccupation is

Replaces "concern" with "preoccupation", suggesting a more intense focus or worry.

The central anxiety is

Uses "anxiety" instead of "concern", highlighting the worrying aspect of the situation.

The overriding fear is

Emphasizes the fear associated with the concern, making it a stronger statement.

The chief reservation is

Replaces "concern" with "reservation", indicating a doubt or objection.

The foremost consideration is

Focuses on what needs to be considered most importantly, rather than a worry.

The principal question is

Shifts the focus to the main question that needs to be addressed.

The dominant apprehension is

Highlights the most significant feeling of unease or worry.

The most pressing matter is

Emphasizes the urgency of the matter, rather than just a general concern.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "the main worry is", "the primary issue is", or "the major preoccupation is" depending on the context.

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

The phrase "the key concern is" is typically used to introduce the most important issue or problem that needs to be addressed. For example, "The key concern is the lack of funding for the project."

Is it correct to say "a key concern is" or should I always use "the key concern is"?

Both "a key concern is" and "the key concern is" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A key concern is" implies that there are multiple key concerns, while "the key concern is" suggests that there is one primary concern.

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

While both phrases are similar, "the key concern is" emphasizes that the concern is essential or fundamental, whereas "the main concern is" simply indicates that it is the most important. They are often interchangeable, but "the key concern" carries a slightly stronger sense of criticality.