was concerned about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was concerned about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing worry or anxiety regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "She was concerned about the impact of climate change on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But he was concerned about his mother.

The New Yorker

But I was concerned about her too.

The New York Times - Magazine

He, too, was concerned about worsening droughts.

The New Yorker

He was concerned about the things he was concerned about.

The Guardian

He was concerned about them".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was concerned about it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He was concerned about children".

The New York Times

I was concerned about the game".

The New York Times

I was concerned about their relationship.

The Guardian - Music

I was concerned about the timing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I was concerned about winning," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was concerned about", ensure that the object of your concern is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He was concerned", specify "He was concerned about the project's deadline".

Common error

Avoid using "was concerned about" with vague pronouns like "it" without clear context. This can leave the reader wondering what the specific source of concern is. Always provide a specific noun or noun phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was concerned about" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a state of worry, anxiety, or interest regarding a particular subject. As noted by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct way to indicate concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was concerned about" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express worry, anxiety, or interest. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and common usage, backed by numerous examples from reputable sources. While predominantly found in news and media, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts. Remember to clearly specify the object of your concern and avoid vague pronoun usage to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt worried about

Emphasizes a state of anxiety or unease, similar to "concerned", but potentially stronger in emotional tone.

was troubled by

Focuses on the state of being disturbed or bothered by something.

felt apprehensive about

Focuses on a feeling of anxiety or unease regarding a future event or situation.

was uneasy about

Conveys a sense of discomfort or lack of peace of mind regarding a situation.

expressed anxiety regarding

Highlights the expression of worry or nervousness concerning a specific topic.

had misgivings about

Implies a stronger sense of doubt or apprehension than simply being "concerned".

had reservations about

Indicates doubt or uncertainty about something, a more subdued form of concern.

was mindful of

Implies awareness and consideration, rather than necessarily worry or anxiety.

took an interest in

Shifts the focus to active engagement and attention, rather than worry.

paid attention to

Highlights attentiveness and observation of something, differing from worry.

FAQs

How can I use "was concerned about" in a sentence?

Use "was concerned about" to express worry, anxiety, or interest in something. For example, "She was concerned about the upcoming exam" or "He was concerned about the welfare of his employees".

What are some alternatives to "was concerned about"?

You can use alternatives such as "was worried about", "felt uneasy about", or "had reservations about depending on the context".

Is it better to say "was concerned about" or "had concerns about"?

Both "was concerned about" and "had concerns about" are grammatically correct. "Was concerned about" directly expresses the feeling of concern, while "had concerns about" refers to the existence of concerns. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "was concerned about" and "was interested in"?

"Was concerned about" implies a degree of worry or anxiety, whereas "was interested in" suggests curiosity or a desire to learn more. For example, someone might be concerned about the environment due to pollution or interested in the environment for its natural beauty.