with concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of apprehension or worry about something. For example: I followed the news of the pandemic with concern.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Memphians watched this with concern.

The New York Times

They looked at each other with concern.

The New Yorker

Lawmakers reacted to the report with concern.

The New York Times

Baffled faces pinned me with concern.

The Guardian

Kissinger replies with concern for the junta.

The New Yorker

"I'm afraid so," I say with concern.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ian Rickson looked on with concern.

The New Yorker

"You O.K.?" she asked, eyes wide with concern.

The New York Times

I grab hold, and the paddlers look down with concern.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Expect a 4-1 4-1 fraughton fraught with concern".

The Guardian - Sport

She smiled weakly at me, her face etched with concern.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with concern" to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration and worry, rather than outright panic or fear. This adds a layer of nuanced emotion to your writing.

Common error

While "with concern" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in very formal writing where stronger, more precise verbs might be more impactful. For example, instead of "The board viewed the results with concern," consider "The board scrutinized the results" or "The board was alarmed by the results."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with concern" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed or a state is experienced. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a feeling of apprehension or worry. It adds detail to the verb, specifying the manner in which someone is observing, reacting, or acting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with concern" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express worry, anxiety, or attentiveness to a potentially negative situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding detail to verbs and conveying a sense of thoughtful consideration. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider stronger verbs in very formal contexts. Its frequent appearance in news and media sources underscores its accessibility and widespread use. The phrase is best used when the subject of the concern is clearly identified, and the intent is to convey nuanced emotion rather than outright panic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with worry

Direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being troubled or anxious.

with unease

Suggests a lack of comfort or security regarding a situation.

with anxiety

Replaces concern with a stronger emotional state, focusing on worry and nervousness.

with apprehension

Highlights a feeling of dread or unease about a future event.

with disquiet

Emphasizes a sense of disturbance or anxiety.

with alarm

Indicates a sudden feeling of fear or danger.

with trepidation

Highlights fear or hesitation about doing something.

with solicitude

Suggests care and concern for someone's well-being.

with interest

Shifts the focus to attentiveness and curiosity, rather than worry.

with regard

Implies respect and consideration, but may not necessarily include worry.

FAQs

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

Use "with concern" to express worry or apprehension about a particular situation. For example, "The doctor viewed the patient's symptoms with concern."

What are some alternatives to saying "with concern"?

You can use alternatives such as "with anxiety", "with worry", or "with apprehension" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "with concern" or "with concerns"?

"With concern" is generally used to describe a feeling or reaction, while "with concerns" suggests having multiple specific worries or issues. The choice depends on whether you're describing a general emotion or specific points of worry.

What's the difference between reacting "with concern" and reacting "with interest"?

Reacting "with concern" implies worry or unease, while reacting "with interest" simply means paying attention and being curious. The former suggests a negative or worrisome aspect, while the latter is neutral or positive.