what concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what concerns' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a topic or a point of discussion. For example, "What concerns me most is the amount of waste we produce every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What concerns you most?

Independent

"That's what concerns me".

The New York Times

And that's what concerns us.

The New York Times

"What concerns me is Michael".

The New York Times

This is precisely what concerns many scientists.

The New Yorker

What concerns him, though, is legitimacy.

Independent

And that is what concerns me.

The New York Times

What concerns him is the tourists.

The New Yorker

This is what concerns me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What concerns do critics have?

The New York Times

This is precisely what concerns the Jets.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what concerns" to introduce a specific topic or issue that is causing worry, anxiety, or requiring attention. This phrase sets a clear focus for the subsequent discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "what concerns" when a simpler, more direct question is appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what concerns" functions as a relative clause, introducing a subject of worry, importance, or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what concerns" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce topics of worry, importance, or attention. As Ludwig AI notes, this relative clause is versatile, fitting into various contexts from News & Media to Scientific discussions. When writing, consider alternatives like "what worries" or "what is important" depending on the intended nuance. Using it correctly helps to establish a clear focus and invite further exploration of the presented issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what worries

Replaces "concerns" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing anxiety or unease.

what troubles

Similar to "what worries", but can also suggest a lighter form of concern.

what bothers

Indicates a more irritating or unsettling aspect of concern.

what is important

Shifts the focus to significance rather than apprehension.

what matters

Highlights the aspects that hold importance or significance.

what is significant

Focuses on the noteworthiness of a particular issue.

what occupies attention

Emphasizes the focus of one's thoughts or efforts.

what takes precedence

Indicates the priority of an issue over others.

what necessitates consideration

Highlights the need for careful thought about something.

what draws attention

Shifts focus to capturing interest or notice.

FAQs

How can I use "what concerns" in a sentence?

You can use "what concerns" to introduce a topic of worry or importance. For instance, "What concerns me most is the lack of funding for education."

What are some alternatives to "what concerns"?

Consider using phrases like "what worries", "what troubles", or "what is important", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "what is concern" instead of "what concerns"?

No, "what is concern" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "what concerns", as it requires the verb to agree with the implied subject.

When is it best to use "what concerns" versus a simpler question?

"What concerns" is best used when you want to introduce a more formal or thoughtful inquiry into a subject of worry or importance, rather than a casual question.