top concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"top concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is of utmost importance or worry. For example, "The safety of our customers is our top concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A top concern is the milling that produces yellowcake.

The New York Times

In this country, deficits are now the top concern.

The New York Times

"Your health is our top concern," trumpets one pharmaceutical company.

Independent

The economy is the top concern in all three states.

The New York Times

Inadequate breastfeeding continues to be a top concern.

The Economist

Polls show that education has become Chileans' top concern.

The Economist

At the moment, reducing invasive weeds is a top concern.

The New York Times

"Fogging is a top concern of manufacturers," Mr. Valentine said.

The New York Times - Tech

"The bookcases were a very top concern," Ms. Payne said.

The New York Times

Increasing grid capacity is the top concern of utilities worldwide.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Lhota has an edge among voters who say that crime is their top concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "top concern", ensure it reflects the most pressing issue in the context. Use it to clearly indicate the highest priority or worry in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "top concern" as a generic phrase without clearly specifying what the concern is. Always provide enough context to make the concern clear and relevant to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top concern" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying something of utmost importance or worry. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase often acts as a subject complement or a direct object, specifying what is considered most critical in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "top concern" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for denoting something of utmost importance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts and serves to emphasize significant issues that require immediate attention. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing specific context to avoid vagueness. Alternative expressions include "main priority" or "primary focus". Overall, "top concern" is a versatile phrase suitable for various communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Main priority

Emphasizes what is most important to deal with.

Primary focus

Highlights the central point of attention.

Chief worry

Focuses specifically on the aspect of worry or anxiety.

Greatest apprehension

Indicates a strong feeling of anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

Foremost issue

Highlights the importance of a problem or matter.

Leading priority

Stresses the order of importance.

Principal anxiety

Highlights the main source of unease or distress.

Key interest

Indicates the most important thing that people are interested in.

Central preoccupation

Focuses on something that someone thinks about constantly or frequently.

Overriding objective

Emphasizes a goal that is more important than anything else.

FAQs

How can I use "top concern" in a sentence?

You can use "top concern" to highlight the most important issue or worry in a given situation. For example, "The economy is the "top concern" for many voters."

What are some alternatives to saying "top concern"?

Alternatives to "top concern" include "main priority", "primary focus", or "chief worry" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "top concern"?

Yes, "top concern" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various examples.

What is the difference between "top concern" and "major issue"?

"Top concern" implies the most important issue, while "major issue" simply indicates a significant problem. "Top concern" suggests a higher level of priority compared to a "major issue".