they were concerned about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were concerned about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing worry or anxiety regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "They were concerned about the rising costs of living in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This time, it seemed all they were concerned about was the number of words".

The New York Times

"What they were concerned about was that when Palau does something, the other islands often follow".

Huffington Post

"They were concerned about me.

The New York Times - Sports

But they were concerned about the closeness.

The New York Times

They were concerned about drug money.

The New York Times

Perhaps they were concerned about the violence.

The Guardian

Women picked me up because they were concerned about me.

The New Yorker

More than that, they were concerned about safety.

The New Yorker

They were concerned about criteria that were not widely explained.

The New York Times

Fashionmall executives said they were concerned about stock manipulation.

The New York Times

"They were concerned about the spiritual state of Britain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were concerned about", ensure that the subject (they) is clearly defined and that the object of their concern is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "concerned". The correct usage is "concerned about". Using "concerned with" or "concerned for" can alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were concerned about" functions as a declarative statement expressing a group's worry or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were concerned about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread applicability. It is versatile, fitting seamlessly into neutral, professional, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the subject and the object of their concern. While alternatives exist, "they were concerned about" remains a direct and effective way to communicate a group's unease or anxiety regarding a specific issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had reservations regarding

Changes from a focus on concern to expressing specific doubts or objections.

they felt anxious regarding

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of worry, using "anxious" instead of "concerned".

they were apprehensive about

Conveys a sense of unease or fear about something that might happen.

they expressed worry over

Replaces "concerned about" with a more direct expression of worry.

their worries centered on

Shifts the focus to "worries" as the subject, indicating the main area of concern.

they were uneasy about

Indicates a lack of comfort or peace of mind regarding a situation.

they showed solicitude for

Implies a more active form of caring or protectiveness.

they took into consideration

Focuses on the act of considering something important, rather than direct concern.

they were mindful of

Highlights the awareness and attentiveness towards something significant.

they paid attention to

Emphasizes the act of focusing on something, rather than a feeling of concern.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were concerned about"?

You can use alternatives like "they were worried about", "they had reservations regarding", or "they were anxious about" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they were concerned for" instead of "they were concerned about"?

While "concerned for" is sometimes used, "they were concerned about" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing to express worry or apprehension regarding a specific issue. "Concerned for" typically implies a general care or protectiveness.

What does "they were concerned about" mean?

The phrase "they were concerned about" indicates that a group of people felt worried, anxious, or apprehensive regarding a particular situation, issue, or potential outcome.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "they were concerned about"?

It is appropriate to use "they were concerned about" in various contexts, including news reports, academic writing, and general conversations, to express that a group had worries or apprehensions about something.