there was a concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a worry or issue existed at a certain point in time. Example: "During the meeting, there was a concern about the project's timeline and its feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The county has said there was a concern about domestic violence, although no criminal charges were pursued.

The New York Times

So the idea that belonging is about participation – there was a concern this might be an alienating idea to people.

The Guardian - Books

In Illinois there was a concern that farm land thus subsided would be lost to productive agriculture.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

During development there was a concern that the game might initially seem too complicated.

Wikipedia

Within the Army there was a concern that Bennett or Lavarack would be appointed as Commander in Chief.

Wikipedia

There was a concern, going in.

The New York Times

"There was a concern there that that was too conservative," Fogelson told me.

The New Yorker

If there was a concern about Marden back then, it was for his future.

The New Yorker

"There was a concern they would not be able to focus on managing the money".

The New York Times

"There was a concern that we were overburdening our students," Dr. Hacker said.

The New York Times

There was a concern, however, that this might happen, he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there was a concern", ensure the context clearly indicates what the concern was about to provide sufficient clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "there was a concern" without specifying the nature of the concern. Always clarify what caused the worry to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a concern" primarily functions as an existential clause that introduces a statement of worry, issue, or apprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly indicates the presence of a particular concern in a given context, and it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was a concern" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for introducing a worry or issue that existed at a specific time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, the phrase serves to inform or express worry. When employing this phrase, it is important to clearly specify the nature of the concern to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives include "an issue arose" or "worries emerged", depending on the desired nuance. Ensure clarity and specificity in your writing for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worries emerged

This phrase indicates that multiple worries started to exist or become apparent.

a worry existed

This alternative uses a simpler vocabulary to convey the presence of a concern or worry.

an issue arose

This phrase indicates that a new problem or matter of concern came up.

apprehension was present

This phrase suggests a sense of unease or anxiety that was present.

fears were expressed

This phrase emphasizes that concerns or anxieties were voiced.

anxiety was felt

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of anxiety that existed.

unease surfaced

This suggests that a feeling of discomfort or worry became apparent.

doubts arose

This phrase indicates that questions or uncertainties came into being.

a reservation emerged

This highlights the appearance of a hesitation or doubt.

a problem was identified

This alternative suggests the discovery of a specific issue needing attention.

FAQs

How can I use "there was a concern" in a sentence?

Use "there was a concern" to introduce a worry or problem that existed at some point. For example, "There was a concern that the budget wouldn't cover all the expenses."

What are some alternatives to "there was a concern"?

You can use alternatives such as "an issue arose", "worries emerged", or "a problem was identified" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there was a concern"?

Yes, "there was a concern" is grammatically correct. It uses the singular "was" correctly to agree with the singular noun "concern".

What's the difference between "there was a concern" and "there is a concern"?

"There was a concern" indicates a concern that existed in the past, while "there is a concern" indicates a concern that exists in the present.