utmost concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"utmost concern" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to a high degree of importance or worry about something. For example: We have the utmost concern for the safety of our customers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All inquiries are treated with the utmost concern for confidentiality.

Duke University

Dignity was of utmost concern.

The Guardian

Efficiency is of utmost concern.

The New York Times

"Our utmost concern is for public health.

The New York Times - Food

Securing the new Christian territories was now of utmost concern.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The protection of children is of the utmost concern to me and my brother bishops.

The New York Times

"Any collaboration with the FARC by an individual or organization is of utmost concern to us".

The New York Times

Resort owner Jim Justice said the needs of flood-ravaged West Virginians were of utmost concern.

The Guardian

But the boundary is of the utmost concern for a growing number of artists and activists.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, Mr. Bout's health was of utmost concern to his wife.

The New York Times

"And that's what the policy is based on and that has to be the utmost concern".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utmost concern" to clearly convey a high level of importance or worry regarding a particular issue. This phrase is suitable for formal contexts and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "utmost concern" in casual or informal settings. Opt for less formal alternatives like "big worry" or "main concern" to better suit the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utmost concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or within a prepositional phrase. It emphasizes the significance or worry associated with a particular matter. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utmost concern" is a phrase used to convey a high level of worry or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and professional communication. While alternatives exist, "utmost concern" specifically emphasizes the highest degree of attention or care. Remember to reserve it for scenarios where formality is desired, opting for simpler terms in casual conversation. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and effectiveness in expressing serious attention to a matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paramount concern

Emphasizes the supreme importance or significance, suggesting it's the top priority.

greatest concern

Highlights the intensity and magnitude of the worry or importance.

major worry

Focuses on the aspect of worry and its significance.

chief worry

Highlights the main or principal source of concern.

primary focus

Shifts the focus to what receives the most attention or effort.

top priority

Indicates something is of the highest importance and needs immediate attention.

foremost consideration

Emphasizes that something is at the front of one's thoughts and decision-making.

main preoccupation

Highlights what someone is mostly thinking about or concerned with.

dominant issue

Indicates the most powerful or influential problem or matter at hand.

central anxiety

Emphasizes the core or fundamental source of anxiety.

FAQs

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

Use "utmost concern" to express that something is of the highest importance or worry. For example, "The safety of our employees is of "utmost concern" to the company".

What are some alternatives to "utmost concern"?

You can use alternatives such as "paramount concern", "greatest concern", or "top priority" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "utmost concern" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "utmost concern" is best suited for formal or professional writing. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "biggest worry" or "main focus".

How does "utmost concern" differ from "great concern"?

"Utmost concern" implies a higher degree of importance or worry than "great concern". While both indicate significant attention, "utmost" emphasizes the highest possible level of attention or care.