were concerned about

USAGE SUMMARY

"were concerned about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone was worried about something. For example, "The parents were concerned about their child's safety at school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We were concerned about health and safety".

The New York Times

We were concerned about him".

The Guardian

"People were concerned about migration.

The Guardian

"They were concerned about me.

The New York Times - Sports

Union officials were concerned about that prospect.

The New York Times

"We were concerned about the strikeouts.

The New York Times - Sports

We were concerned about our lives".

The New York Times - Sports

If anything were concerned about an underspend.

The Guardian

But they were concerned about the closeness.

The New York Times

"We were concerned about our daughter Cathy".

The New York Times

Calacavecchia and Cink were concerned about traveling.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were concerned about", ensure that the subject clearly indicates who is experiencing the concern. This clarity enhances readability and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were concerned about" in contexts where a stronger expression of alarm or action is warranted. For instance, if direct intervention is required, phrases like "took immediate action" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were concerned about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of worry, apprehension, or interest regarding a particular subject. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showcasing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were concerned about" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express worry, care, or interest. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity in subject-verb agreement and choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intended emotional intensity. Remember that the word choice is important to not express a lighter or stronger idea. Consider alternative phrases like "had concerns regarding" or "expressed anxiety over" for nuanced meanings. With its frequent occurrence and authoritative support, "were concerned about" remains a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried regarding

A more direct synonym, simply stating the act of worrying about something.

had concerns regarding

Focuses on the possession of concerns, rather than the act of being concerned.

were uneasy about

Highlights a feeling of discomfort or anxiety regarding a situation.

expressed anxiety over

Emphasizes the expression of anxiety, highlighting the outward communication of worry.

felt apprehensive about

Highlights a feeling of unease or fear about a future event or situation.

had anxieties about

Emphasizes the presence of anxieties, focusing on a state of worry.

showed solicitude for

Emphasizes care and concern for someone's well-being, often implying action to help.

had misgivings about

Focuses on doubts or reservations about something, suggesting a lack of complete confidence.

felt troubled by

Indicates a feeling of being disturbed or bothered by something, often implying a negative impact on peace of mind.

were solicitous of

Highlights a caring and attentive concern for someone's well-being.

FAQs

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

You can use "were concerned about" to express worry or interest in something. For example, "The doctors "were concerned about" the patient's condition".

What are some alternatives to "were concerned about"?

Alternatives include "were worried about", "had concerns regarding", or "expressed anxiety over depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "was concerned about" instead of "were concerned about"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "was concerned about" with singular subjects and "were concerned about" with plural subjects or when using "you", "we", or "they".

What is the difference between "were concerned about" and "were interested in"?

"Were concerned about" implies worry or apprehension, while "were interested in" suggests curiosity or engagement without necessarily implying worry. The choice depends on the intended meaning.