was concerned for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was concerned for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing worry or care for someone's well-being or situation. Example: "She was concerned for her friend's health after hearing about the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was concerned for her — scared".

The New York Times

In a state of alarm, I was concerned for all.

Independent

Partly, too, it was concerned for party unity.

The Economist

"I was concerned for my children," he said.

The Guardian

Speaking after the game, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said he was concerned for his players' safety.

Independent

A A Saudi prince who was concerned for his security installed security cameras outside his doors.

The New York Times

Florence Élie, Haiti's ombudsman, said she was concerned for the safety of prosecution witnesses.

The New York Times

She reported the message to police, she said, because she was concerned for her family.

The Washington Post

Organising our wedding, I had become a bridezilla and he was concerned for my nuptial health.

The Guardian - Travel

"He was concerned for our wealth, of how we would survive without our cows".

The New York Times - Magazine

I was concerned for him because people have so many questions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was concerned for" to express a specific worry or care about someone's well-being or situation. For broader concerns, consider "was concerned about".

Common error

Avoid using "was concerned for" with general topics or inanimate objects. It's more appropriate to say "was concerned about the environment" than "was concerned for the environment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was concerned for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of worry, care, or empathy toward someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating it is a standard way to convey concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was concerned for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey worry or care, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, expressing concerns for the well-being and safety of individuals or groups. While it can be used in formal writing, it's important to use it appropriately, specifically when expressing direct care for a person or group. Alternatives like "was worried about" or "felt concern for" can be used depending on the context. Avoiding its use with general topics is also a best practice. Overall, "was concerned for" is a versatile phrase, but mindful application ensures clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt concern for

Emphasizes the emotion of concern.

was worried about

A more direct and common way to express worry.

had concerns regarding

More formal, indicating specific worries.

felt anxious about

Highlights the feeling of anxiety.

was apprehensive for

Suggests a feeling of unease about a future event.

showed solicitude for

Indicates active care and attentiveness.

expressed worry over

Highlights the verbal expression of concern.

took an interest in the welfare of

Focuses on well-being and safety.

was solicitous of

A more formal synonym for "concerned for".

had compassion for

Highlights the feeling of compassion.

FAQs

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

"Was concerned for" typically implies a direct concern for the well-being or safety of a person or specific group. "Was concerned about" is broader and can refer to issues, situations, or general topics.

What can I say instead of "was concerned for"?

You can use alternatives like "was worried about", "felt concern for", or "had concerns regarding" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "was concerned for" in formal writing?

Yes, "was concerned for" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing, especially when expressing direct care for individuals. However, consider using alternatives like "had concerns regarding" for even more formal contexts.

How to use "was concerned for" in a sentence?

You can use "was concerned for" to express worry or care about someone's well-being, as in, "She was concerned for her friend's health after hearing about the accident."