B2 Collocation 중립 2분 분량

main concern

الشاغل الرئيسي

Use it to highlight the one thing that matters most in any situation.

15초 만에

  • 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.

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.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

Buying 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.

💼
2

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.

😊
3

Talking to a boss

Our main concern right now is meeting the Friday deadline.

Our main concern right now is meeting the Friday deadline.

👔
🌍

문화적 배경

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.

15초 만에

  • 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.

사용 참고사항

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.

예시

6
#1 Buying 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.

Focusing on the most important feature during a purchase.

#2 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.

Expressing a common social worry to a friend.

#3 Talking to a boss
👔

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.

#4 Texting a friend about a date
😊

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.

#5 A humorous diet struggle
😄

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.

#6 A worried parent
💭

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.

셀프 테스트

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.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: main

`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.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: is

We use the verb `to be` (is/am/are) to link a subject to its `main concern`.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality Scale of 'Main Concern'

Informal

Used with friends for real problems.

My main concern is the rain.

Neutral

Perfect for everyday service and planning.

My main concern is the delivery time.

Formal

Standard in business reports and interviews.

Our main concern is fiscal stability.

Where to use 'Main Concern'

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.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Usually, 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.

관련 표현

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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