express concern
يعبر عن قلق
Use this phrase to professionally and politely voice your worries or objections in serious situations.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to say you are worried about something.
- Commonly used in professional emails and serious conversations.
- Usually followed by the prepositions 'about' or 'over'.
Signification
When you tell someone that you are worried about a situation, a person, or a specific problem. It is a polite way to voice your concerns instead of keeping them to yourself.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business meeting
I need to express concern about the new project timeline.
I need to express concern about the new project timeline.
Talking to a friend about their health
We're all here because we want to express concern for your well-being.
We're all here because we want to express concern for your well-being.
A news report about the environment
Environmentalists express concern over rising sea levels.
Environmentalists express concern over rising sea levels.
Contexte culturel
This phrase is a staple of 'Corporate English.' It allows employees to criticize a plan without sounding aggressive. In British culture, it is often used as a polite understatement for 'I think this is a terrible idea.'
The 'Soft' Opener
Use 'I wanted to...' before the phrase to make it sound even softer and less like an attack. Example: 'I wanted to express concern about...'
Don't Overuse
If you express concern about everything, people will stop taking you seriously. Save it for things that actually matter.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to say you are worried about something.
- Commonly used in professional emails and serious conversations.
- Usually followed by the prepositions 'about' or 'over'.
What It Means
Express concern is a fancy way of saying you are worried. It is not just feeling the worry inside your head. You are actually speaking up or writing it down. Think of it as opening a window to let your thoughts out. You see something that does not look right, and you say something about it. It sounds much more professional than saying "I'm scared" or "I'm stressed."
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with the word about or over. For example, you express concern about the weather or express concern over a friend's health. You can use it in emails, meetings, or serious talks. It is like a verbal red flag that you wave gently. It tells people, "Hey, I care about this, and I think we should look at it."
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound mature and balanced. It is perfect for the workplace when a project is going off the rails. It is also great for personal life when a friend is making bad choices. If your neighbor's dog is barking all night, you might express concern to the landlord. It is the 'adult' way to complain without sounding like you are whining.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, silly things. If your ice cream is melting, do not say you are expressing concern. That makes you sound like a robot at a party. Also, avoid it in very high-energy arguments. If you are shouting, you are not expressing concern; you are just yelling. It requires a calm, steady tone to work effectively.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, especially in the UK and US, being direct can sometimes feel rude. Expressing concern is a linguistic tool for 'polite intervention.' It allows you to interfere in someone’s business while sounding like you are doing them a favor. It is deeply rooted in professional etiquette where 'complaining' is seen as negative, but 'expressing concern' is seen as being proactive.
Common Variations
Voice concern: This is almost the same but feels a bit more vocal.Raise concerns: Use this when you are the first person to bring up a problem in a group.Share concerns: This feels softer and more collaborative, like you are inviting others to worry with you.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-frequency collocation in professional and academic English. It is safe to use in any situation where you need to be taken seriously without appearing overly emotional.
The 'Soft' Opener
Use 'I wanted to...' before the phrase to make it sound even softer and less like an attack. Example: 'I wanted to express concern about...'
Don't Overuse
If you express concern about everything, people will stop taking you seriously. Save it for things that actually matter.
The British Understatement
In the UK, if someone says they are 'a bit concerned,' they might actually be very angry or worried. It's a way of staying polite while being serious.
Exemples
6I need to express concern about the new project timeline.
I need to express concern about the new project timeline.
Used to point out a problem with a schedule politely.
We're all here because we want to express concern for your well-being.
We're all here because we want to express concern for your well-being.
Shows deep care and emotional support.
Environmentalists express concern over rising sea levels.
Environmentalists express concern over rising sea levels.
Standard journalistic way to report on public worry.
Mom is starting to express concern about the smell coming from your room!
Mom is starting to express concern about the smell coming from your room!
Using a formal phrase for a funny, everyday mess.
I am writing to express concern regarding my son's recent grades.
I am writing to express concern regarding my son's recent grades.
A respectful way for a parent to start a difficult conversation.
The neighbors expressed concern when they saw your front door open.
The neighbors expressed concern when they saw your front door open.
Shows a community looking out for each other.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
The manager expressed concern ___ the lack of communication in the team.
In English, we almost always 'express concern about' or 'over' a topic.
Identify the most appropriate situation for this phrase.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'express concern'?
'Express concern' is used for worries or health issues, not for simple tasks or happy events.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Worry
I'm worried
I'm worried about the rain.
I'm concerned
I'm concerned about the budget.
Express concern
I wish to express concern regarding the policy.
When to Express Concern
Doctor's Office
Discussing symptoms
Office Meeting
Project delays
Parent-Teacher Talk
Student behavior
Local Government
Road safety
Questions fréquentes
11 questionsYes, but only for serious topics. If you use it for something small like 'I express concern about your choice of shoes,' it will sound like a joke.
'Worry' is a feeling you have inside. 'Express concern' is the act of telling someone about that feeling in a polite way.
It leans toward formal or professional. In a very casual setting, you would just say I'm worried or I'm stressed.
Yes! You can express concern to the manager or to your parents. It identifies who is receiving your message.
The most common ones are about, over, and regarding. For example, concern over the budget.
Absolutely. You will often see news headlines like The community expressed concern about the new mall.
Yes, voice concern is a very close synonym. It emphasizes that you are speaking the worry out loud.
Usually, yes. You don't express concern about something good. It implies there is a potential problem.
You should acknowledge it. Say something like, Thank you for sharing your concern or I appreciate you bringing this to my attention.
Yes, you can say He expressed concern yesterday. It follows normal verb rules for express.
It is perfect for emails. It makes your message look professional and well-thought-out.
Expressions liées
Raise an issue
To bring up a problem for discussion.
Flag a problem
To warn someone that something might go wrong.
Have reservations
To have doubts or worries about a plan.
Sound the alarm
To warn people about an immediate danger or serious problem.
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement