unusual concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"unusual concern" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a situation or issue that raises unexpected or atypical worry. For example: "The report highlighted an unusual concern regarding the safety protocols." Alternative expressions include "unexpected worry" and "atypical apprehension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"You look dangerously pale in that photo," he writes, showing unusual concern for my well-being.

The Guardian - Sport

Reflecting unusual concern about fraud, members of the European Parliament called for the resignation of two commissioners, Edith Cresson and Manual Marin.

The Economist

On opening pages or in the margins Nabokov points out plentiful misprints and errata, revealing unusual concern for minute revisions and retranslations.

The New York Times - Books

Considering everything — his focus on work, the pleasure trips conducted while his mother was ill and the fact that Mr. McQueen had a history of being emotionally low and beyond reach — staying at home in his flat the week after her death didn't seem to warrant unusual concern.

The New York Times

The unusual concern of the pharaohs with the affairs of Palestine was chiefly a result of the fact that control of it was necessary for the defense of Phoenicia and southern Syria, menaced by Mitanni until about 1375 and by the Hittite empire after that date.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They started to change their business model to one that could deliver higher volume at lower cost.Among those firms was BUPA an unusual concern in that its parent company, the British United Provident Association, has no shareholders and all surpluses are re-invested in the business.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But for now, law enforcement officials are playing down any unusual concerns about Halloween.

The New York Times

Their father's career leaves the children with unusual concerns the series has yet to address.

The New York Times - Arts

For Cardinal Bernard Law, the archbishop of Boston, Cardinal John O'Connor was a friend to whom he spoke nearly every day by telephone, a rare colleague with whom he could share the distinctive and unusual concerns that come with being one of the most public figures in the Roman Catholic Church.

The New York Times

Using single parameters to represent multiple movements may be unusual concerning shoulder ROM, but advantages with such parameters have been demonstrated when investigating motion in the cervical spine [ 31].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Other doctors refuse to reduce below twins unless the pregnancy presents unusual medical concerns.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with specific evidence to justify why the concern is considered atypical, such as a change in historical patterns or social norms.

Common error

Avoid using "unusual concern" to describe a person directly (e.g., "he is an unusual concern"). The phrase should modify the situation or the level of worry itself, such as "his behavior is a matter of unusual concern".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusual concern" functions as a modified noun phrase where the adjective "unusual" provides a qualitative assessment of the noun "concern". In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often serves as the subject or the object of a sentence to denote a deviation from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is standard English and highly effective for descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unusual concern" is an effective and grammatically correct way to describe reactions that fall outside the expected norm. Data from Ludwig AI indicates that it is an Uncommon but highly respected phrase, particularly favored by prestigious news outlets and scientific journals. It functions to highlight a deviation from standard behavior, making it a valuable tool for journalists, researchers and professional writers. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly supports why the level of "concern" is deemed "unusual". For writers seeking more specialized emotional depth, alternatives like "atypical worry" may be more appropriate, but for general professional reporting, "unusual concern" remains a definitive choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atypical worry

Focuses more specifically on the feeling of anxiety rather than a general state of interest or care.

unexpected anxiety

Emphasizes the sudden or surprising nature of the distress.

striking concern

Highlights how noticeable or prominent the level of attention is.

rare apprehension

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a sense of fear or dread that is not often encountered.

peculiar unease

Suggests a strange or specific type of discomfort.

singular preoccupation

Implies a deep and unique focus on a specific issue.

extraordinary interest

Shifts the focus from worry to a high level of intellectual or professional attention.

uncommon solicitude

A very formal alternative that emphasizes care and helpfulness towards others.

notable disquiet

Suggests a level of agitation that is worthy of remark or attention.

unwonted care

Uses an archaic or literary adjective to describe attention that is not customary.

FAQs

How do I use "unusual concern" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an unexpected level of attention, such as: "The pharaoh's focus on foreign affairs reflected an unusual concern for regional stability".

What can I say instead of "unusual concern"?

Depending on the nuance, you can use alternatives like "atypical worry", "unexpected anxiety" or "striking interest".

Is "unusual concern" considered formal?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for "formal writing", business reports and journalism due to its precise and professional tone.

What is the difference between "unusual concern" and "atypical worry"?

While both describe non-standard states, "unusual concern" is broader and can refer to professional interest, whereas "atypical worry" specifically emphasizes a sense of psychological or emotional distress.