the main concern is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the main concern is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce the primary issue or topic of discussion in a sentence or paragraph. Example: "In our recent meeting, the main concern is the budget allocation for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The main concern is safety.

The Guardian

"But the main concern is the player.

The New York Times - Sports

The main concern is getting the material to the port".

The Guardian

In West Texas, the main concern is water.

The New York Times

In qualifying games, the main concern is points: a victory is worth 3.

The New York Times - Sports

"The main concern is safety," said the owner, who asked not to be identified.

The New York Times - Sports

"The main concern is over the fact that a person cannot simply be disappeared.

The Guardian

For Booth, 65, and her 70-year-old husband, the main concern is access to healthcare.

The Guardian

The main concern is that errors will increase as pharmacists become increasingly overworked.

The New York Times

"The main concern is getting him 100percentt before the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

The main concern is that sales have been driven by very cheap loans.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the main concern is", ensure that the rest of the sentence provides a clear and specific explanation of the concern. Vague or ambiguous descriptions can undermine the effectiveness of the phrase.

Common error

Don't follow "the main concern is" with a vague pronoun. For example, instead of saying "The main concern is that", specify what "that" refers to for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main concern is" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it. Ludwig shows that it commonly introduces the core issue or problem being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main concern is" is a versatile phrase used to highlight the most significant issue or problem in a given context. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and its wide usage across diverse fields, including news, science, and business. According to Ludwig, it's important to use this phrase to introduce a clear and specific explanation of the concern and avoid vague pronoun references. Alternatives like "the primary worry is" or "the key consideration is" can be used for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary worry is

Replaces "concern" with "worry", emphasizing anxiety or apprehension.

the biggest issue is

Substitutes "concern" with "issue", focusing on a problem needing resolution.

the central problem is

Emphasizes that the concern is a problem and it is central.

the key consideration is

Highlights that the concern is a matter of careful thought and importance.

the overriding preoccupation is

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

the chief anxiety is

Highlights the feeling of unease associated with the concern.

the principal focus is

Shifts the emphasis to what is being focused on as most important.

the major preoccupation revolves around

Shifts the structure to emphasize the revolving nature of the worry or focus.

the pivotal question is

Transforms the concern into a question of utmost importance.

the most pressing matter is

Highlights the urgency and importance of the issue.

FAQs

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

Use "the main concern is" to introduce the most important issue or problem. For example, "The main concern is the budget deficit".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "the primary worry is", "the biggest issue is", or "the key consideration is".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the main concern is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "the main concern is" is a clear and direct way to introduce the central issue.

What is the difference between "the main concern is" and "a main concern is"?

"The main concern is" implies that there is one primary issue, while "a main concern is" suggests that there are multiple significant issues.