worrying trend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worrying trend" is correctly used in written English and can be used to describe a negative trend or pattern.
For example, "Experts have observed a worrying trend of increasing emissions from the transportation sector."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This sets a worrying trend.

The New Yorker

That is a worrying trend.

The Economist

This is a worrying trend.

The Economist

Moreover, the bylaw continues another worrying trend in corporate law.

The New York Times

He explains that social media fuel the worrying trend.

Independent

Low pay is an increasingly worrying trend in London.

The Guardian - Money

That is a worrying trend in an economy geared for rapid growth.

The Economist

For those who favour the free exchange of ideas, that is a worrying trend.

The Economist

This could go some way towards reversing a worrying trend pointed out by Ms Gallagher.

The Economist

Ms Smethers described the drop in income for young female workers as a "worrying" trend.

Independent

Rather than decrease consumption people may have saved less.The falling saving rate is a worrying trend.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "worrying trend", be specific about what makes the trend worrying. Provide context and evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "worrying trend" as a generic phrase. Always provide specific details about the trend and why it is a cause for concern. Otherwise, consider using a more neutral descriptive term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worrying trend" functions as a noun phrase, where "worrying" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "trend". It's used to describe a pattern or development that is considered concerning or potentially harmful. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worrying trend" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to describe a concerning or potentially harmful pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news media, formal business settings, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific details about the trend and the reasons for concern. While "worrying trend" is suitable for formal writing, overuse without justification should be avoided. Alternatives such as "concerning development" or "troubling pattern" may be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning development

Focuses on the evolving nature of the situation causing worry.

troubling pattern

Emphasizes the repetitive and problematic nature of the observed behavior.

alarming tendency

Highlights the inclination towards an undesirable outcome.

disturbing phenomenon

Draws attention to the unsettling and unusual nature of the occurrence.

ominous sign

Suggests a threatening future based on the current indications.

precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential danger of the current circumstances.

risky proposition

Emphasizes the potential for negative consequences or failure.

unfavorable development

Indicates a turn of events that is not positive or beneficial.

adverse inclination

Highlights a leaning towards something harmful or negative.

problematic trajectory

Focuses on the path or direction something is taking, implying potential issues.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "worrying trend" in a sentence?

To use "worrying trend" effectively, clearly identify the trend you are referring to and explain why it is concerning. For example, "The "increasing deforestation" is a worrying trend due to its impact on biodiversity and climate change".

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "worrying trend"?

You can use alternatives like "concerning development", "troubling pattern", or "alarming tendency" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "worrying trend" in formal writing?

Yes, "worrying trend" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious issues in business, science, or news reporting. Its use is supported by authoritative sources like The Economist and The New York Times.

What makes "worrying trend" different from "negative trend"?

"Worrying trend" implies a stronger sense of concern or potential danger than a simple "negative trend". While a "negative trend" might simply indicate an undesirable direction, a "worrying trend" suggests that the situation is becoming serious and requires attention.