widespread concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"widespread concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a collectively shared worry or apprehension about a certain situation. For example, "There is widespread concern over the rising rate of unemployment in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Social landlords predicted "widespread concern about potential future evictions".

The Guardian

Consider, for example, the widespread concern over internet addiction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is widespread concern about the war in Vietnam.

The New Yorker

Enron's collapse has evoked widespread concern even in Japan.

The New York Times

Among parents, though, there is still widespread concern and confusion.

The New York Times

There is widespread concern about the nation's health care bill.

The New York Times - Health

Due process is, of course, a widespread concern.

The New York Times

That is a widespread concern, as recent polls demonstrate.

The New York Times

Arthur's accession to the presidency caused widespread concern.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He added that "very widespread concern exists" about the situation.

The New York Times

There is a widespread concern about urban sprawl.

International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread concern", clearly specify the subject or issue causing the concern to provide context and clarity for your audience. For example, "There is widespread concern about the environmental impact of plastic pollution."

Common error

Avoid using "widespread concern" as a filler phrase without providing specific evidence or examples to support the claim. Ensure that the concern is genuinely prevalent and not just a personal opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It expresses a state of shared worry or apprehension. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting the prevalence of this sentiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widespread concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a shared sense of worry or apprehension. As Ludwig AI points out, it's deemed correct and usable in written English. It appears most often in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly identify the cause of the concern to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "general apprehension" or "broad anxiety" for nuanced expression. This phrase is a valuable tool for conveying the significance and shared nature of anxieties in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general apprehension

Replaces "concern" with a synonym focusing on anxiety and unease, and "widespread" with a more generic term.

broad anxiety

Substitutes both words for synonyms, emphasizing worry and its extensive reach.

common worry

Emphasizes the shared nature of the concern, using a simpler term for "widespread".

general disquiet

Focuses on a sense of unease and disturbance shared by many.

mass anxiety

Highlights the scale of the anxiety, implying a large number of people are affected.

universal worry

Suggests nearly everyone shares the concern.

prevalent unease

Replaces concern and widespread with synonyms, meaning something bad is happening and people are worried.

rampant disquiet

Highlights that something bad is happening to more people than usual.

extensive unease

Highlights that something bad is happening in an extensive way.

noticeable consternation

Replaces concern with consternation. Usually that indicates people are not only worried but a bit afraid.

FAQs

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

Use "widespread concern" to describe a shared worry or apprehension about a specific issue. For example, "There is "widespread concern" among parents regarding the new school curriculum."

What are some alternatives to "widespread concern"?

You can use alternatives like "general apprehension", "broad anxiety", or "common worry" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "widespread concern" or "considerable concern"?

"Widespread concern" suggests that the worry is shared by many people, while "considerable concern" indicates the worry is significant but doesn't necessarily imply it's shared as broadly. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "widespread concern" and "public outcry"?

"Widespread concern" implies a general worry or apprehension, while "public outcry" suggests a strong, vocal expression of disapproval or protest. "Public outcry" is usually more intense and active than ""widespread concern"".