the only concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"the only concern" is a correct phrase that is used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is the only element that needs to be focused on. For example, "The only concern with this plan is how to fund it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Price isn't the only concern.

The New York Times

But expense is not the only concern.

The New York Times

Obsolescence is not the only concern.

The Guardian

Air pollution is not the only concern.

The New York Times

Addiction is not the only concern.

The New Yorker

Disease is not the only concern.

The New York Times

But this is not the only concern.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lungs are not the only concern.

The New York Times

The only concern now is depth.

The Guardian - Sport

And that is not the only concern.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And the obscured view is not the only concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that when you state "the only concern", you genuinely address all other relevant factors, demonstrating that they are secondary or resolved.

Common error

Avoid using "the only concern" if there are multiple significant issues. Overstating its singularity can undermine credibility and suggest a lack of thorough consideration. Acknowledge other factors appropriately, even if they are less significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific issue as the most important or sole source of worry or consideration. This aligns with Ludwig's validation of the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only concern" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a single, overriding issue or worry. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, though it's important to use it accurately to maintain credibility. Common alternatives include "the main issue" and "the primary consideration". When using this phrase, be sure that it truly represents the most significant issue, as overstating its importance can undermine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole worry

Emphasizes singularity of the issue like "the only concern".

the main issue

Focuses on the issue's prominence, like "the only concern".

the primary consideration

Highlights its importance in decision-making, similar to "the only concern".

the chief preoccupation

Indicates what someone thinks about most, related to "the only concern".

the biggest problem

Identifies what is most wrong or difficult, similarly to "the only concern".

the key question

Highlights a central question, related to "the only concern".

the central anxiety

Focuses on anxiety, relating it to "the only concern".

the single reservation

Highlights that someone has a specific reservation, related to "the only concern".

the single objection

Highlights that someone has a specific objection, related to "the only concern".

the one apprehension

Emphasizes feeling about the future, but still related to "the only concern".

FAQs

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

You can use "the only concern" to highlight a primary issue. For example, "The only concern is whether we can secure enough funding for the project."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "the only concern"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the main issue", "the primary consideration", or "the sole worry", which all emphasize a single, predominant issue.

When is it appropriate to use "the only concern"?

Use "the only concern" when you want to emphasize that one particular issue outweighs all others in a given situation. Ensure that this assessment is accurate and justifiable to avoid misleading your audience.

How does "the only concern" differ from "a major concern"?

"The only concern" implies that all other issues are insignificant or resolved, while "a major concern" suggests that there are other concerns, but this one is more significant.