What is concern? Pronunciation and usage in English

concern means . Learn how to pronounce and use concern through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of concern

concernverb/noun

/kənˈsəːn/
Definition & pronunciation of concern

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "concern." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /kənˈsɜrn/ (American English)
    • kən - like "con" in "consonant"
    • ˈsɜrn - This is the tricky part! "surn" is pronounced with a short "u" sound like in "cup," and a "rn" sound – almost like the "rn" in "turn." It's a slightly separated syllable.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • k - as in "kite"
  • o - as in "go"
  • rn - as described above (short "u" + "rn")
  • s - as in "sun"
  • ə - (schwa sound) - This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound. It's the vowel sound in "about." It's subtly present in "con."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Separate the syllables: Think of "con-surn." Pronounce each part distinctly.
  • The "urn" sound: The “urn” sound is the key. Try saying "turn" slowly and emphasize the “rn” sound.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Break it down even further?

Usage and examples with the word concern in English

Let's break down how to use the word "concern" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings, so understanding the context is key! Here's a breakdown:

1. As a Noun (Feeling or Worry):

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It refers to a feeling of worry, doubt, or anxiety about something.
  • Examples:
    • "I have a concern about my health." (I'm worried about my health.)
    • "He expressed his concern for the environment." (He worried about the environment.)
    • "Her main concern is the safety of her children." (Her biggest worry is her children’s safety.)
    • "I’m not very concerned about the delay." (I'm not worried about the delay.)

2. As a Noun (Something that causes worry or apprehension):

  • Meaning: It can also refer to the thing that is causing the worry.
  • Examples:
    • "The company’s financial concern is causing investors to pull back." (The company's financial problems are the thing causing investors to hesitate.)
    • "There are growing concerns about climate change.” (Climate change is the thing that’s creating worry.)

3. As a Verb (To express worry or doubt):

  • Meaning: To express worry, doubt, or anxiety.
  • Examples:
    • "I concern myself with details." (I worry a lot about details.)
    • "She concerned him with her constant questions." (She worried him with her questions.)
    • "The doctors are concerned about his prognosis." (The doctors are worried about his chances of recovery.)

4. As a Verb (To be a matter of interest or importance):

  • Meaning: To be something that deserves attention or consideration. Often used in a more formal way.
  • Examples:
    • "The issue of affordable housing is a matter of public concern." (Affordable housing is an important issue.)
    • "The government is taking concern with the rising crime rate.” (The government is addressing the rising crime rate.)

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Feeling of worry/anxiety "I have a concern about my wallet."
Noun The thing causing worry "His health is a major concern."
Verb To express worry/doubt “I’m concerned about the weather.”
Verb To be of interest/importance “That’s a serious concern for the team.”

Tips for Using "Concern" Effectively:

  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like worry, anxiety, doubt, apprehension, or problem to vary your language.
  • Context is crucial: The specific meaning of "concern" depends heavily on the situation.
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Concerned” (as an adjective describing you) is more common in everyday speech. “Concern” (as a noun) is often more formal.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., an email, a story, a formal letter?)
  • Is there a specific sentence you're struggling with where you want to use “concern”?

Synonyms for the word concern

Practice with vocabulary concern

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The environmental impact of the proposed project is a major ______ for local residents.
  2. Our immediate ______ is to ensure the security of all sensitive data after the breach.
  3. The board of directors discussed the financial ______ at length during their quarterly meeting.
  4. She expressed deep ______ about the welfare of the displaced families.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The primary ______ of the regulatory body is public safety. A. apathy B. interest C. concern D. indifference

  2. This new policy will directly ______ every employee in the department. A. disregard B. ignore C. concern D. affect

  3. There is growing ______ among scientists about climate change. A. indifference B. apprehension C. apathy D. concern

  4. The recent data breach has become a major ______ for the IT security team. A. disregard B. apathy C. issue D. disinterest

  5. The main ______ of the research was the impact of social media on mental health. A. disinterest B. focus C. indifference D. neglect

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The safety of the workers is something that is very important to us.
  2. What I'm really worried about is the budget deficit.
  3. The most important topic of discussion at the conference was sustainable development.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The environmental impact of the proposed project is a major concern for local residents.
  2. Our immediate priority is to ensure the security of all sensitive data after the breach.
  3. The board of directors discussed the financial situation at length during their quarterly meeting.
  4. She expressed deep concern about the welfare of the displaced families.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B. interest, C. concern
  2. C. concern, D. affect
  3. B. apprehension, D. concern
  4. C. issue
  5. B. focus

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The safety of the workers is our primary concern. (or: We are deeply concerned about the safety of the workers.)
  2. My main concern is the budget deficit. (or: The budget deficit concerns me greatly.)
  3. The most important theme of discussion at the conference was sustainable development.

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