Concern vs Concerning: Unraveling Commonly Confused Terms

When it comes to using the English language, it’s important to understand the nuances between similar words. One such pair that often causes confusion is “concern” and “concerning.”

So, which of these two words is the proper one to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. Both “concern” and “concerning” are correct, but they are used in different ways.

“Concern” is a noun that refers to a feeling of worry or anxiety about something. For example, “I have a concern about the safety of this new product.”

“Concerning,” on the other hand, is a preposition that means “regarding” or “about.” For example, “I have some information concerning the new product.”

Throughout this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between these two words and provide examples of how to use them correctly.

Define Concern

Concern is a noun that refers to a feeling of worry or anxiety about something. It is a state of being uneasy or troubled about an issue, event, or circumstance that may have negative consequences. Concern can also refer to an issue or matter that is of interest or importance to someone.

Examples of how to use concern in a sentence:

• Her concern for her daughter’s well-being was evident in her actions.
• The safety concerns of the employees were addressed by the management.
• The politician expressed his concern about the rising crime rate in the city.

Define Concerning

Concerning is a preposition that means in relation to, regarding, or about. It is used to introduce a subject or topic that is the focus of discussion or attention. Concerning is often used to indicate a connection or association between two things.

Examples of how to use concerning in a sentence:

• The report provided information concerning the company’s financial performance.
• The meeting was about the issues concerning the new project.
• There were questions raised concerning the accuracy of the data.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

In the English language, words can have multiple meanings and usage depending on the context. Among these words are “concern” and “concerning.” These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and usage. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Concern” In A Sentence

The word “concern” is a noun that refers to something that causes worry or anxiety. It can also be used as a verb that means to cause worry or anxiety. Here are some examples of how to use “concern” in a sentence:

• My biggest concern is the safety of my family.
• The recent increase in crime concerns me.
• The doctor expressed concern about her patient’s health.

As you can see from the examples, “concern” is used to express worry or anxiety about something.

How To Use “Concerning” In A Sentence

The word “concerning” is a preposition that means about or regarding. It is often used to introduce a topic or subject. Here are some examples of how to use “concerning” in a sentence:

• We need to have a meeting concerning the new project.
• There are some concerns among the employees concerning the new management.
• The report contains some important information concerning the company’s financial status.

As you can see from the examples, “concerning” is used to introduce a topic or subject, and it is often followed by a noun or a gerund.

More Examples Of Concern & Concerning Used In Sentences

As we discussed earlier, concern and concerning are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. In this section, we will provide more examples of how these words are used in sentences to give you a better understanding of their usage.

Examples Of Using Concern In A Sentence

• The company expressed concern over the decline in sales.
• His parents showed great concern for his well-being.
• I have a concern about the safety of this product.
• The doctor expressed concern about the patient’s health.
• There is growing concern about the impact of climate change.
• The teacher voiced her concern about the student’s lack of progress.
• The government’s lack of concern for the environment is alarming.
• She expressed concern about the safety of the neighborhood.
• My main concern is the cost of living in this city.
• The company’s concern for its employees is evident in its policies.

Examples Of Using Concerning In A Sentence

• The report raises some concerning issues about the company’s finances.
• His behavior is concerning to his friends and family.
• There are some concerning trends in the housing market.
• The news of the data breach is deeply concerning to customers.
• Her lack of progress is concerning to her teacher.
• There are some concerning signs that the economy may be slowing down.
• The concerning rise in crime has prompted the police to take action.
• The concerning lack of diversity in the workplace is a major issue.
• These concerning developments require immediate attention.
• The concerning rise in pollution levels is a threat to public health.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using concern and concerning, many people tend to mix them up and use them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in the same way. Here are some common mistakes people make when using concern and concerning:

Using Concern As A Verb

One of the most common mistakes people make is using concern as a verb. For example, saying “I am concerned about the environment” is correct, but saying “The environment concerns me” is incorrect. Concern is a noun, not a verb, and should be used as such.

Using Concerning As A Noun

Another mistake people make is using concerning as a noun, when it should be used as an adjective. For example, saying “The concerning thing is…” is correct, but saying “The concern is…” is incorrect. Concerning is an adjective that describes something that is causing worry or anxiety.

Confusing The Plural Forms

Sometimes people get confused with the plural forms of concern and concerning. Concern is a countable noun, so it has a plural form, which is concerns. Concerning, on the other hand, is not a countable noun and does not have a plural form. So, saying “I have many concernings” is incorrect.

Using Concerning To Mean Regarding

Finally, some people use concerning to mean regarding, but this is incorrect. Concerning is used to describe something that is causing worry or anxiety, while regarding is used to indicate a connection or relationship between two things. For example, saying “Regarding the environment, we need to take action” is correct, but saying “Concerning the environment, we need to take action” is incorrect.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Remember that concern is a noun, not a verb, and should be used as such.
• Use concerning as an adjective to describe something that is causing worry or anxiety.
• Understand that concern is countable and has a plural form, while concerning is not countable and does not have a plural form.
• Use regarding instead of concerning when indicating a connection or relationship between two things.

Context Matters

Choosing between concern and concerning can greatly depend on the context in which they are used. Both words have different connotations and implications that can affect the meaning of a sentence. It is important to understand the nuances of each word in order to use them correctly and effectively in writing.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Below are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between concern and concerning might change:

Formal Writing

• Concern: In formal writing, concern is often used to express worry or apprehension about a particular issue or topic. For example, “The lack of funding for education is a major concern among educators.”
• Concerning: In the same context, concerning can be used to indicate that something is related to or regarding a particular issue or topic. For example, “The report concerning the lack of funding for education was released yesterday.”

Everyday Conversation

• Concern: In everyday conversation, concern is often used to express care or consideration for someone or something. For example, “I’m concerned about my friend’s health.”
• Concerning: In the same context, concerning can be used to indicate that something is causing worry or unease. For example, “The recent increase in crime is concerning.”

Legal Documents

• Concern: In legal documents, concern is often used to express interest or involvement in a particular matter. For example, “The plaintiff has expressed concern over the defendant’s actions.”
• Concerning: In the same context, concerning can be used to indicate that something is relevant or related to a particular matter. For example, “The evidence concerning the defendant’s actions was presented in court.”

As seen in the examples above, the choice between concern and concerning can greatly depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the tone and implications of each word in order to use them effectively in writing.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using concern and concerning are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Below are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Concern As A Noun

When concern is used as a noun, it is not interchangeable with concerning. Concern refers to a feeling of worry or anxiety, while concerning is used to describe something that causes worry or anxiety.

Example:

• My concern for her safety kept me up all night.
• The concerning news about the pandemic made me anxious.

2. Concerning As A Preposition

When concerning is used as a preposition, it can be followed by a noun or a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun).

Example:

• The report concerning the company’s financials was worrisome.
• Concerning the safety of the new product, the company conducted extensive testing.

3. Concerning As A Participle

When concerning is used as a participle, it can function as an adjective to describe something that causes worry or anxiety.

Example:

• The concerning lack of progress on the project was alarming.
• Her concerning behavior raised red flags.

Overall, while concern and concerning are often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the nuances of each word to use them correctly in different contexts.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding of concern and concerning is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you master the use of these two words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (concern or concerning) to complete each sentence below:

1. The recent news about the pandemic is __________.
2. Her __________ for her children’s safety is admirable.
3. I have some __________ about the company’s financial stability.
4. The __________ thing about the situation is that we don’t have all the facts yet.

Answer Key:

1. concerning
2. concern
3. concerns
4. concerning

Exercise 2: Sentence Rewrites

Rewrite the following sentences to use either concern or concerning:

1. It’s important to address the issue.
2. The new policy is causing a lot of worry.
3. The safety of our employees is our top priority.
4. He has some doubts about the project’s success.

Answer Key:

1. It’s important to address the concern.
2. The new policy is concerning a lot of people.
3. The concern for our employees’ safety is our top priority.
4. He has some concerns about the project’s success.

By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of concern and concerning in sentences.

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that there is a significant difference between the words “concern” and “concerning.” The former is a noun that refers to a feeling of worry or unease, while the latter is an adjective that describes something that causes worry or unease.

It is important for writers to understand this difference and use the correct word in the appropriate context. Using “concerning” as a noun, for example, is a common mistake that can undermine the credibility of one’s writing.

Additionally, this article highlights the importance of paying attention to grammar and language use. While it may seem like a small detail, using the wrong word can significantly impact the clarity and effectiveness of one’s writing.

As such, it is encouraged that readers continue to educate themselves on proper grammar and language use. This can be done through reading reputable sources, taking courses, or working with a professional editor.