main concern
الشاغل الرئيسي
Use it to highlight the one thing that matters most in any situation.
In 15 Sekunden
- The most important worry or priority you have right now.
- Used to focus a conversation on the biggest problem.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual chats with friends.
Bedeutung
This phrase describes the most important thing you are thinking about or worrying about right now. It is the top item on your priority list that needs attention before anything else.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Buying a new car
The price is fine, but my main concern is the safety rating.
The price is fine, but my main concern is the safety rating.
Planning a party
My main concern is that we won't have enough snacks for everyone.
My main concern is that we won't have enough snacks for everyone.
Talking to a boss
Our main concern right now is meeting the Friday deadline.
Our main concern right now is meeting the Friday deadline.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase reflects a Western cultural emphasis on efficiency and problem-solving. It gained massive popularity in the mid-20th century as professional management styles began to influence everyday speech. It is now a 'bridge' phrase that works equally well in a boardroom or a living room.
The 'But' Technique
Use it after a compliment to be polite. 'The food is great, but my main concern is the price.' It makes criticism sound professional.
Don't Overuse It
If everything is a `main concern`, then nothing is. Save it for the one or two things that actually matter most.
In 15 Sekunden
- The most important worry or priority you have right now.
- Used to focus a conversation on the biggest problem.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual chats with friends.
What It Means
Think of your brain like a busy kitchen. You have many pots on the stove. Main concern is the biggest pot that is boiling over. It is your number one priority. It is the thing that keeps you awake at night. It is the first thing you mention in a meeting. It is not just a small worry. It is the heart of the matter.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the verb to be. For example, "My main concern is the weather." You can also use it to ask others about their priorities. It works perfectly with words like safety, money, or time. It sounds confident and clear. It tells people exactly where your focus is.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to be serious. Use it during a job interview to show focus. Use it when talking to a doctor about your health. It is great for planning a trip with friends. "My main concern is finding a cheap hotel!" It helps move a conversation toward a solution. It is a very productive phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny, silly things. If you can't find your favorite socks, it is not a main concern. That sounds too dramatic! Avoid it in very high-energy, slang-heavy parties. It might sound a bit too "corporate" there. If you are just annoyed, use pet peeve instead. Main concern implies a need for a real solution.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being direct is often valued. People like to "get to the point." Using main concern is a polite way to be blunt. It signals that you want to stop chatting and start solving. It became very popular in business culture during the 1980s. Now, it is a standard part of everyday life.
Common Variations
You might hear people say primary concern or chief concern. These are slightly more formal. If you want to be casual, you might say the big thing. Some people say top priority too. They all mean roughly the same thing. However, main concern is the most balanced version for any situation.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is incredibly versatile. It sits right in the middle of the formality spectrum, making it safe for almost any conversation where you need to express a priority.
The 'But' Technique
Use it after a compliment to be polite. 'The food is great, but my main concern is the price.' It makes criticism sound professional.
Don't Overuse It
If everything is a `main concern`, then nothing is. Save it for the one or two things that actually matter most.
The Softener
In the UK, people often add 'a bit of a' before it. 'It's a bit of a main concern for me.' This makes it sound less aggressive.
Beispiele
6The price is fine, but my main concern is the safety rating.
The price is fine, but my main concern is the safety rating.
Focusing on the most important feature during a purchase.
My main concern is that we won't have enough snacks for everyone.
My main concern is that we won't have enough snacks for everyone.
Expressing a common social worry to a friend.
Our main concern right now is meeting the Friday deadline.
Our main concern right now is meeting the Friday deadline.
Identifying a team priority in a work setting.
He seems nice, but my main concern is that he doesn't like dogs!
He seems nice, but my main concern is that he doesn't like dogs!
Using the phrase to discuss a deal-breaker in a relationship.
I want to lose weight, but my main concern is living without pizza.
I want to lose weight, but my main concern is living without pizza.
Using a serious phrase for a funny, relatable problem.
As you go to college, my main concern is just that you stay happy.
As you go to college, my main concern is just that you stay happy.
Expressing deep care and emotional priority.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the phrase regarding a travel plan.
We have a map, so my ___ concern is finding a gas station before dark.
`Main concern` is the standard collocation used to describe a primary worry.
Identify the correct verb to use with the phrase.
Safety ___ always our main concern at this construction site.
We use the verb `to be` (is/am/are) to link a subject to its `main concern`.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Scale of 'Main Concern'
Used with friends for real problems.
My main concern is the rain.
Perfect for everyday service and planning.
My main concern is the delivery time.
Standard in business reports and interviews.
Our main concern is fiscal stability.
Where to use 'Main Concern'
Doctor's Office
My main concern is this cough.
Job Interview
My main concern is growth.
With a Landlord
My main concern is the broken heater.
Travel Planning
The main concern is the budget.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenUsually, yes. It refers to a worry or a problem. You wouldn't say 'My main concern is how much I love cake' unless the cake is causing a problem!
Yes, biggest concern is very common and slightly more informal than main concern.
Absolutely. It sounds respectful and clear. For example, My main concern is understanding the homework.
A concern is something you are thinking about or worried might happen. A problem is something that has already gone wrong.
You can say main concerns if you have two or three big things on your mind. Example: I have two main concerns regarding the contract.
Yes, you can say My main concern is my daughter's safety. This shows she is your priority.
It is slightly more formal. If you are writing a very serious report, use primary. In a meeting, main is perfectly fine.
No, it sounds focused. However, if you say it with a mean tone, it can sound like you are complaining.
It is better to say my main concern is [noun] or my main concern is that.... Adding about is common but often unnecessary.
Good synonyms include top priority, key issue, or major worry.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Top priority
The most important task to complete.
The bottom line
The most important fact in a situation.
Pressing issue
An urgent problem that needs immediate attention.
Matter of concern
Something that people are worried about.
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