underlying concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

"underlying concerns" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to problems or worries that are not directly expressed. For example: "The meeting was intended to address the underlying concerns of the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On Syrian refugees, for example, Trudeau pointed to underlying concerns around security.

The Guardian

There are still important underlying concerns about the Republican commitment to protecting Medicare".

The New York Times

This question pops up everywhere, underlying concerns about "failure to launch" and "boomerang kids".

The New York Times - Magazine

A report from the Conference Board, however, indicated that consumers were slightly more confident in December, despite underlying concerns about the country's economic health.

The New York Times

Instead, it is best understood as a poorly targeted attempt to connect the Democrats with voters' underlying concerns about the economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public feelings towards the World Cup were bound up in underlying concerns about government corruption, the level of investment in public services and the quality of healthcare and education.

The Guardian - Sport

With underlying concerns the dispute could cause social unrest, both candidates have called for Indonesians to guard the integrity of the vote to avoid any fraud during the official vote counting.

The Guardian

Mr. Lee's rapport with President Barack Obama bore fruit last month when the U.S. Congress passed the free-trade deal by a wide margin despite underlying concerns about the effect it might have on U.S. manufacturing, notably the car industry.

The New York Times

He will now remain a member of parliament and mayor of Bordeaux during his appeal, and he will give up the leadership of the UMP only at its annual congress in November.Mr Juppé's startling defiance reveals two underlying concerns.

The Economist

There is however underlying concerns that conservatism in the construction industry, and lack of timber engineering skills, may be obstacles to change.

Forest Policy and Economics

Meritless cases brought by law enforcement officers, amounting to little more than publicity stunts with little to no chance of success, do little to address the officers' underlying concerns.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing "underlying concerns", ensure you've thoroughly investigated the situation to accurately identify the core issues. This demonstrates due diligence and helps in formulating effective solutions.

Common error

Avoid merely addressing the surface-level symptoms without tackling the deeper "underlying concerns". Failing to do so will likely result in temporary fixes and the resurgence of the original problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying concerns" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, identifying fundamental issues or worries that influence a situation. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to refer to problems or worries that are not directly expressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underlying concerns" effectively captures hidden or fundamental issues needing attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used to pinpoint problems not immediately apparent. Occurring often in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, addressing "underlying concerns" is crucial for in-depth problem-solving, avoiding superficial solutions. Be sure to differentiate symptoms from root causes to ensure effective resolutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden worries

Focuses more on the concealed aspect of the concerns.

latent anxieties

Emphasizes the potential for these concerns to emerge or become active.

unspoken fears

Highlights the lack of explicit communication about these concerns.

fundamental issues

Shifts the focus to the foundational nature of the problems.

root causes of concern

Directly addresses the origins of the worries.

basic apprehensions

Emphasizes the elementary or essential nature of the anxieties.

core misgivings

Highlights doubts or hesitations at the heart of a matter.

deep-seated reservations

Focuses on the entrenched nature of the doubts or objections.

primary unease

Highlights the foremost or principal sense of discomfort.

subterranean anxieties

Suggests that the anxieties are deeply buried or not easily visible.

FAQs

How can I use "underlying concerns" in a sentence?

You can use "underlying concerns" to refer to fundamental issues or worries that are not immediately obvious. For example, "The investigation aimed to uncover the "underlying concerns" driving employee dissatisfaction".

What are some alternative phrases for "underlying concerns"?

Alternatives include "hidden worries", "latent anxieties", or "fundamental issues" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "underlying concerns" and "obvious concerns"?

"Underlying concerns" are not immediately apparent and require deeper investigation to uncover, whereas "obvious concerns" are readily visible and easily recognized.

When is it appropriate to address "underlying concerns"?

It's appropriate to address "underlying concerns" when you notice surface-level problems or symptoms that suggest deeper, unresolved issues. Addressing them can lead to more sustainable solutions.