true concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"true concern" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means genuine or sincere worry or anxiety. Example sentence: The professor showed true concern for his students as he offered guidance and support.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The Lakers are still 48 hours away from true concern.

The New York Times - Sports

The F.C.C. countered that the true concern of the broadcasters was new competition from small stations.

The New York Times

The ethics that these characters espouse are often borne more of personal code than true concern for their fellow man.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some testimony concerned whether ImClone and Bristol-Myers had fairly and publicly portrayed the F.D.A.'s true concern.

The New York Times

It seems that he does have a true concern for them, but also he has his own needs of affection which get expressed in unhealthy ways".

The New York Times

But Mokyr's true concern is a more fundamental cultural question: Why did some sixteenth-century Europeans start thinking that they could materially improve their lives?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

This is especially true concerning two people who are in love.

The New York Times

Neither claims of technological transcendence nor Congressional assurances that oil companies will behave assuage the true concerns regarding oil extraction from the refuge.

The New York Times

The real world which followed Oxford in the shape of BBC radio provided an early chance to display his true concerns.

The Guardian

The organisers of the One Million for the Freedom of the Press movement told the Guardian that they would hold a party to celebrate their achievements so far, but that they feared that Orbán had not registered their true concerns.

The Guardian

The true concerns of conservative "freedom-seekers" are made especially clear in the amicus briefs in support of Hobby Lobby – which sound more like abstinence-only education curricula than legal arguments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "true concern" to convey sincerity and genuine empathy, especially in contexts where the motivation behind an action or statement might be questioned. It adds weight and credibility to your expression of care.

Common error

Avoid using "true concern" when simply describing a passing interest or curiosity. "True concern" implies a deeper emotional connection and investment than simple interest does. If you're talking about mild curiosity, opt for phrases like "slight interest" or "passing thought".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "true" modifies the noun "concern". According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct, lending emphasis to the genuineness of the worry or care.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Huffington Post

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "true concern" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the sincerity and depth of worry, care, or interest. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used and understood across various contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When employing this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a genuine emotional investment rather than a passing interest. Consider alternatives like "genuine worry" or "sincere interest" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine worry

Replaces "concern" with "worry", emphasizing the anxious aspect.

sincere interest

Shifts from worry to a positive focus on genuine interest.

real anxiety

Highlights the anxiety component of the concern.

authentic care

Emphasizes the caring aspect, implying a deep emotional investment.

deep solicitude

Uses a more formal term for concern, implying a heightened level of care.

heartfelt sympathy

Focuses on empathy and compassion.

earnest consideration

Highlights thoughtful and serious attention.

legitimate apprehension

Emphasizes the validity and reason behind the concern.

profound disquiet

Indicates a deep-seated unease or worry.

unfeigned interest

Emphasizes the honesty and lack of pretense in the interest shown.

FAQs

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

You can use "true concern" to emphasize the sincerity of someone's worry or interest. For example: "The doctor showed "true concern" for her patient's well-being" or "His "true concern" was for the safety of his family".

What are some alternatives to "true concern"?

Some alternatives to "true concern" include "genuine worry", "sincere interest", or "real anxiety". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "true concern" the same as "real concern"?

While "true concern" and "real concern" are similar, "true concern" often emphasizes the genuine and heartfelt nature of the concern, while "real concern" simply indicates that the concern is not feigned or superficial. The difference is subtle but can be important in certain contexts.

When should I use "true concern" instead of "slight interest"?

Use "true concern" when you want to emphasize the depth of someone's care or worry. "Slight interest" implies a much weaker level of engagement. "True concern" suggests a meaningful emotional investment, while "slight interest" suggests mere curiosity.