B2verb1K

Concern

UK /["/kənˈsɜːn/","/kənˈsɜːnz/","/kənˈsɜːnd/","/kənˈsɜːnɪŋ/"]/US /["/kənˈsɜːrn/","/kənˈsɜːrnz/","/kənˈsɜːrnd/","/kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to affect somebody/something; to involve somebody/something

In simple words: a worry or issue

Examples

  • The news of the accident caused great concern among the community.
  • You shouldn't concern yourself with things that are beyond your control.
  • The lack of action on climate change is a major concern for future generations.
  • It doesn't concern me what others think; I will do what is right for myself.
  • My main concern right now is ensuring the safety of my family.

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written language. Can express personal feelings or formal issues. Avoid using in overly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

concern + object

Memory hint

Think of 'con' as in 'together' and 'cern' like 'cerned'—when you're together in a problem, you feel a concern.

Collocations

  • directly
  • mainly
  • mostly
  • in
  • directly
  • mainly
  • mostly
  • in
  • a lot
  • greatly
  • really

Synonyms

  • worry
  • anxiety
  • issue
  • matter
  • problem

Antonyms

  • indifference
  • apathy

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'concern' as a noun and verb.
  • Using 'concern to' instead of 'concern with' or 'about'.
  • Mistaking 'concern' for 'care' in certain contexts.