This highlights the concern
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Literalmente: This [subject] makes the [worry/problem] shine brightly
Use this to turn a specific observation into a powerful argument about a larger problem.
Em 15 segundos
- 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.
Significado
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.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Discussing 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.
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.
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.
Contexto cultural
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'.
Em 15 segundos
- 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)
Notas de uso
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.
Exemplos
6The 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Teste-se
Choose the best word to complete the phrase in a professional context.
The recent data breach ___ the concern regarding our cybersecurity protocols.
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.
The subject must be a piece of evidence that justifies the 'concern' mentioned.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'This highlights the concern'
Too stiff for hanging out.
This shows why I'm worried.
Good for serious discussions.
This makes the problem clear.
Perfect for reports and meetings.
This highlights the concern.
When to use 'This highlights the concern'
Business Meeting
Budget cuts
Customer Complaint
Broken product
Political Debate
Policy failure
Safety Review
Equipment failure
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt 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.
Frases relacionadas
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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