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Prepositions with nouns

Using “concern” with prepositions

Of concern is part of the fixed expression a matter of concern. For concern appears in different structures, such as reason for concern.

Quick answer

Which is correct: “of concern” or “for concern”?

Both are correct in different expressions. Of concern commonly appears after matter, issue, or topic. For concern is used after reason or cause.

This is a matter of concern to residents.
There is no reason for concern.
The delay became a source of concern.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
matter of concern

Something worrying or important

Use of concern after nouns such as matter, issue, source, or cause.

The budget cuts are a matter of concern.
Public safety remains an issue of concern.
2
reason for concern

Cause for worry

Use for concern after reason, cause, or grounds.

There is little reason for concern now.
The report gives grounds for concern.
3
concern about + topic

Worry about something

Use concern about to name the subject causing worry.

Parents expressed concern about school safety.
There is growing concern about pollution.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
of concern
The issue is a matter of concern.
Used after nouns like matter or issue.
for concern
There is no reason for concern.
Used after nouns like reason or grounds.
concern about
She expressed concern about costs.
Worry regarding a topic.
concern for
He showed concern for his neighbours.
Care or sympathy toward people.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “for concern” without a supporting noun

For concern usually follows reason, cause, or grounds.

✕ The issue is for concern. ✓ The issue is a matter of concern.

Confusing worry and care meanings

Concern about expresses worry; concern for can express care for people.

✕ She has concern for rising prices. ✓ She has concern about rising prices.

Omitting the article in fixed expressions

Matter of concern usually needs an article.

✕ This is matter of concern. ✓ This is a matter of concern.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. There is no reason ___ concern.
2. The issue became a matter ___ concern.
3. Residents expressed concern ___ noise levels.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “of concern” mean?

It describes something worrying or important, usually after words like matter or issue.

When do we use “for concern”?

Use it after nouns such as reason, grounds, or cause.

Is “concern for” the same as “concern about”?

No. Concern for often expresses care for people, while concern about expresses worry about a topic.

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