C2 Expression 격식체 2분 분량

This highlights the concern

Argumentation and critical discussion expression

직역: This [subject] makes the [worry/problem] shine brightly

Use this to turn a specific observation into a powerful argument about a larger problem.

15초 만에

  • Points out evidence that proves a worry is valid.
  • Bridges a specific event to a larger problem.
  • Sounds professional, logical, and calm during a disagreement.

This phrase is used to point out a specific fact or event that makes a problem or worry very obvious. It's like shining a bright flashlight on a crack in a wall so everyone can see it clearly.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

Discussing a project delay in a meeting

The fact that we missed the deadline highlights the concern regarding our current staffing levels.

The fact that we missed the deadline highlights the concern regarding our current staffing levels.

💼
2

Talking about a glitchy new app with a friend

The app crashed twice today; this really highlights the concern about its stability.

The app crashed twice today; this really highlights the concern about its stability.

🤝
3

A formal email to a landlord

The leak in the ceiling highlights the concern I raised last month about the roof's condition.

The leak in the ceiling highlights the concern I raised last month about the roof's condition.

👔
🌍

문화적 배경

This expression reflects the Western academic and professional value of 'evidence-based' discussion. It rose to prominence in the 1980s and 90s within corporate management and investigative journalism to bridge specific data points with systemic failures. It is a classic 'diplomatic' phrase used to criticize without sounding aggressive.

💡

The 'Evidence' Rule

Always mention a specific fact before using this phrase. It needs a 'this' to refer back to, otherwise, it loses its punch.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you use it five times in one meeting, you'll sound like a corporate robot. Mix it up with 'this shows' or 'this suggests'.

15초 만에

  • Points out evidence that proves a worry is valid.
  • Bridges a specific event to a larger problem.
  • Sounds professional, logical, and calm during a disagreement.

What It Means

Think of this highlights the concern as a way to say, "Look! This is exactly why we are worried." It takes a vague feeling of unease and attaches it to a real-world example. It is about making a problem visible. You aren't just saying there is a problem. You are showing the evidence that proves it exists.

How To Use It

You usually start with a fact or a recent event. Then you drop this phrase to connect that fact to a bigger issue. For example, if your phone battery dies in ten minutes, you say, "This highlights the concern about the phone's quality." It acts as a bridge between an observation and a conclusion. It makes you sound very logical and observant.

When To Use It

Use it when you want to be taken seriously. It is perfect for meetings when a project is going off the rails. It works great when discussing news or politics with friends over coffee. You can even use it when complaining about a service. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying, "This is bad."

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase for very tiny, personal gripes. If you drop your ice cream, don't say, "This highlights the concern about gravity." It will make you sound like a robot or a very dramatic professor. Also, don't use it if the problem is already blindingly obvious to everyone. You don't need to highlight the sun at noon.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking professional cultures, direct confrontation can sometimes feel rude. This phrase is a "soft" way to be critical. It shifts the focus from a person's mistake to the "concern" itself. It’s a hallmark of C2-level English because it shows you can navigate complex social dynamics with precision. It became very popular in corporate and journalistic circles in the late 20th century.

Common Variations

  • This underscores the issue (even more emphasis)
  • This brings the concern to light (more visual)
  • This reinforces my worries (more personal)
  • This points to a larger problem (suggesting a pattern)

사용 참고사항

This phrase sits firmly in the C2 level because it requires an understanding of nuance and 'distanced' criticism. It is most effective in professional writing and formal debates.

💡

The 'Evidence' Rule

Always mention a specific fact before using this phrase. It needs a 'this' to refer back to, otherwise, it loses its punch.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you use it five times in one meeting, you'll sound like a corporate robot. Mix it up with 'this shows' or 'this suggests'.

💬

The Polite Critic

In the UK and US, this is a 'polite' way to say someone messed up. It focuses on the problem, not the person's character.

예시

6
#1 Discussing a project delay in a meeting
💼

The fact that we missed the deadline highlights the concern regarding our current staffing levels.

The fact that we missed the deadline highlights the concern regarding our current staffing levels.

Connects a specific failure (missed deadline) to a systemic issue (staffing).

#2 Talking about a glitchy new app with a friend
🤝

The app crashed twice today; this really highlights the concern about its stability.

The app crashed twice today; this really highlights the concern about its stability.

Uses the phrase to justify a negative opinion about a product.

#3 A formal email to a landlord
👔

The leak in the ceiling highlights the concern I raised last month about the roof's condition.

The leak in the ceiling highlights the concern I raised last month about the roof's condition.

Creates a paper trail showing that a previous warning was ignored.

#4 Joking about a friend's terrible cooking
😄

The smoke alarm going off certainly highlights the concern about your 'secret' recipe.

The smoke alarm going off certainly highlights the concern about your 'secret' recipe.

Uses formal language for a sarcastic, funny effect.

#5 Discussing safety after a minor accident
💭

This near-miss highlights the concern for the safety of the children in this park.

This near-miss highlights the concern for the safety of the children in this park.

Expresses serious worry based on a recent event.

#6 Texting a colleague about a confusing memo
😊

Nobody knows what the boss wants. This highlights the concern about our internal communication.

Nobody knows what the boss wants. This highlights the concern about our internal communication.

Summarizes a shared frustration in a concise way.

셀프 테스트

Choose the best word to complete the phrase in a professional context.

The recent data breach ___ the concern regarding our cybersecurity protocols.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: highlights

While 'shines a light on' is possible, 'highlights' is the standard verb used in this specific idiomatic expression.

Identify the most appropriate subject to go before the phrase.

___ highlights the concern that the bridge is no longer safe for heavy trucks.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: The increasing number of cracks

The subject must be a piece of evidence that justifies the 'concern' mentioned.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality of 'This highlights the concern'

Casual

Too stiff for hanging out.

This shows why I'm worried.

Neutral

Good for serious discussions.

This makes the problem clear.

Formal

Perfect for reports and meetings.

This highlights the concern.

When to use 'This highlights the concern'

Evidence-based Worry
💼

Business Meeting

Budget cuts

🛒

Customer Complaint

Broken product

🗳️

Political Debate

Policy failure

⚠️

Safety Review

Equipment failure

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is a bit formal, but you can use it with friends if the topic is serious, like discussing a news story or a big life decision. If used for something trivial, it sounds sarcastic or funny.

Yes! Adding my makes it more personal and less objective. Use the concern if you want it to sound like a general problem everyone should care about.

It means to draw attention to something or make it stand out, just like using a yellow highlighter pen on a textbook.

Both! It is very common in news articles, academic essays, and business presentations, but also appears in serious verbal discussions.

Not really. A concern is almost always a negative worry or problem. For positive things, say This highlights the benefits instead.

An issue is a neutral problem to be solved, while a concern implies that people are feeling anxious or worried about it.

Only if you are texting about something serious, like a work problem. In a casual text about dinner plans, it would be very weird.

Yes, That highlights the concern works perfectly if you are referring to something someone else just said.

It is used equally in both. It is a standard part of global professional English.

The most common mistake is forgetting to state the evidence first. You can't just start a conversation with This highlights the concern without explaining what this is.

관련 표현

Bring to the fore

To make something the main focus of attention.

Underscore the point

To emphasize that a statement is true.

Expose a flaw

To reveal a specific weakness in something.

Validate the apprehension

To prove that a fear or worry was actually correct.

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