the principal concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the principal concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main issue or priority in a discussion or situation. Example: "The principal concern of the committee was ensuring the safety of all participants during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The principal concern remains the oil itself.

The New York Times

Thursday may be the rainiest day, Quinn said, and lightning may be the principal concern Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

But the principal concern could also prove the biggest hurdle – water supply.

The Guardian - Travel

Then, it was the ransom issue that was the principal concern.

The Economist

The company's finance chief, Keith Nichols, said: "The principal concern remains the decorative paint markets in Europe.

The Guardian - Business

The principal concern of any government in a slump should be to restore capital investment and ensure sufficient demand to restore business confidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

The principal concern is I think you can achieve some of the things he wants to achieve without schools having to convert to academy status.

The Guardian

In time it is believed that the various Cold Wars will end, and cease to be the principal concern of American, Soviet & Chinese policy.

The New Yorker

They argue that republicans have been granted too many concessions and have not come through on the principal concern to their community -- the dismantling of I.R.A. arsenals.

The New York Times

The presence of a cutting edge is therefore characteristic of most tools, and the principal concern of toolmakers has been the pursuit and creation of improved cutting edges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ritual purity was the principal concern of the compilers of the manuals of dharma (religious law), which have contributed much to the special character of Hinduism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the principal concern" to clearly and directly identify the most important issue at hand. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "the principal concern" when referring to a minor or secondary issue. Ensure the concern truly is the most significant factor in the context you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the principal concern" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the most important issue or worry in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the principal concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight the most important issue in a given situation. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Its register is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, scientific writing, and business communications. While alternatives exist, such as "the main issue" or "the primary worry", "the principal concern" offers a clear and direct way to emphasize the significance of a particular matter. Remember to use it when you truly want to identify the most pressing problem or priority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main worry

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

the primary issue

Uses "primary" instead of "principal" and "issue" instead of "concern", indicating a key matter.

the chief problem

Substitutes "principal" with "chief" and "concern" with "problem", focusing on a difficulty.

the key consideration

Focuses on an important factor to consider.

the central matter

Emphasizes the centrality of the issue, using more formal language.

the major preoccupation

Replaces "concern" with "preoccupation", suggesting a dominating thought.

the overriding priority

Highlights the dominance of a specific priority.

the foremost apprehension

Emphasizes fear or anxiety using "apprehension".

the dominant anxiety

Focuses on anxiety using "dominant" emphasizing its importance.

the greatest fear

Replaces "concern" with "fear" emphasizing potential negative outcomes.

FAQs

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

Use "the principal concern" to highlight the most important issue or worry in a given situation. For example, "The principal concern is the lack of funding for the project.".

What are some alternatives to using "the principal concern"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the main issue", "the primary worry", or "the chief problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "main concern" or "principal concern"?

Both "main concern" and "principal concern" are grammatically correct. "Principal concern" tends to be slightly more formal and emphasizes the importance of the issue, while "main concern" is more commonly used in everyday language.

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

"The principal concern" refers to the single most important issue, while "a concern" refers to any issue or worry, regardless of its importance. Use "the principal concern" when you want to emphasize the most pressing matter.