What is concerned? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of concerned

concernedadjective

/kənˈsəːnd/
Definition & pronunciation of concerned

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

1. The Core Sound:

  • "con": This sounds like "con" as in "connect" - /kən/ (short 'uh' sound)
  • "cern": This is where it gets a little tricky. It's a diphthong, meaning it's a combination of two vowel sounds that glide into each other. It sounds like "sern" (like the name "Serena") – /sɜrn/

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced: /kənˈsɜrn/

Let's break that down further:

  • kən – as we discussed (short "uh" sound)
  • ˈsɜrn – This is the stressed syllable. The 'r' sound is very important and slightly rolled (more on that below). The 'ɜrn' part sounds like "sern" as in Serena.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • The "r" sound: Don't be afraid of the "r"! It's a retroflex 'r' – meaning your tongue curls slightly back in your mouth. It's not as pronounced as an American 'r'. You can often approximate it by saying the "r" softly, almost like a "d." (But don't overdo it - it shouldn’t be too aggressive.)
  • Emphasis: The stress is on the second syllable ("sɜrn"). This is key to getting the pronunciation right.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "concerned" and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/concerned/ (This site has recordings by native speakers from different regions.)
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce concerned" – you'll find many videos.

Here's a quick summary:

Con-ern (rhymes with “Serena”)

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you a sentence using the word "concerned"?

Usage and examples with the word concerned in English

Let's break down how to use the word "concerned" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with slightly different shades of meaning.

1. As an Adjective (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: Feeling worried, anxious, or troubled about something. It expresses a thoughtful, careful feeling about a situation.

  • Examples:

    • "I'm concerned about his health." (I'm worried about his health.)
    • "The doctor was concerned by the patient's symptoms." (The doctor was worried by the symptoms.)
    • "She's concerned about the rising cost of living." (She’s worried about the increase in prices.)
    • "I’m concerned that you haven't finished the report.” (I'm worried that you haven't finished the report.)

2. As a Verb (Less Common, More Formal)

  • Meaning: To express worry, anxiety, or unease; to show that you are troubled.

  • Examples:

    • "I'm concerned about the future of the project." (I'm expressing worry about the project's future.) – Notice the passive voice.
    • "The authorities were concerned about the safety of the public.” (The authorities were expressing worry about public safety.)

3. “Concerned with…” (Phrasal Verb)

  • Meaning: Relating to or invested in something. It describes something that's a priority or important.

  • Examples:

    • "He’s concerned with ethical issues in business." (He’s interested in or focused on ethical issues.)
    • "The project team is concerned with delivering the product on time.” (The project team's focus is on delivering the product on time.)

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • “Worried” vs. “Concerned”: “Worried” often implies a more immediate, emotional feeling of anxiety. “Concerned” suggests a more thoughtful and rational assessment of a situation. You might be worried about a child’s scraped knee, but concerned about the long-term development of a country.

  • Formality: "Concerned" is generally considered more formal than "worried."

Here’s a table to summarise:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Adjective Feeling worried/anxious I'm concerned about the weather.
Verb Expressing worry/unease I'm concerned that we're behind schedule.
Phrasal Verb Related to/invested in He's concerned with sustainability.

Tips for Using “Concerned” Effectively:

  • Consider your audience: "Worried" might be more appropriate in casual conversation.
  • Be specific: Instead of just saying “I’m concerned,” try to explain what you’re concerned about. (“I’m concerned about the lack of funding.”)
  • Combine with other words: "I’m seriously concerned," "I'm deeply concerned," "I'm mildly concerned" – adding adverbs can give you more precision.

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

  • In what kind of context are you planning to use the word "concerned"? (e.g., a formal letter, a casual conversation, a written essay?)

Synonyms for the word concerned

Idioms of the word concerned

as/so far as I am concerned
used to give your personal opinion on something
  • As far as I am concerned, you can do what you like.
as/so far as somebody/something is concerned
used to give facts or an opinion about a particular aspect of something
  • She's doing fine as far as French is concerned, it's her German I'm worried about.

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