What is concerning? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of concerning

concerningpreposition

/kənˈsəːnɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of concerning

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "concerning" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown, with different approaches and considerations:

1. The Most Common (and Recommended) Pronunciation:

  • kənˈɜːrnɪŋ (This is how it’s pronounced in American English - pronounced with a strong "uh" sound in the middle)

    • kən: Pronounced like "con" as in competition.
    • ˈɜːrn: Pronounced like "urn" – very clearly emphasizing the "urn" sound. The stress is on this syllable. Think of the sound you would make when saying "burn" but without any "b" sound.
    • ɪŋ: Pronounced like "ing".

2. British English Pronunciation:

  • kənˈɜːnsɪn (This is how it’s pronounced in British English - pronounced with a slightly softer "uh" sound)

    • kən: Same as above: "con"
    • ˈɜːns: Pronounced like "urn" - the stress is on this syllable.
    • sɪn: Pronounced like "sin".

Key Tips & Considerations:

  • Stress: The most important thing is to put the stress on the second syllable (the “urn” part). This is what makes it sound right.
  • “urn” Sound: The “urn” sound is the trickiest. It’s not quite like “hurt” or “hurt”, but closer to a short, pure “uh” sound, almost like a very quick “oo”. It's a vowel sound that doesn't exist in many other languages.
  • Linking: When spoken naturally, “concerning” often links to the next word. For example, "I am concerned about it" might sound like "I am concernd bout it." However, practicing the separate pronunciation first is crucial.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/concerning/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word from different regions.
  • Google Search: Type "how to pronounce concerning" into Google, and you’ll find many audio clips.

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Which English dialect are you interested in (American, British, Australian, etc.)?

Usage and examples with the word concerning in English

Let's break down how to use the word "concerning" in English. It's a slightly formal word that adds a touch of precision and seriousness to your writing or speech.

1. Meaning & Core Use:

"Concerning" generally means "regarding," "about," or "in relation to." It introduces a topic that you're going to discuss or provide information about. It's a more formal alternative to "about" or "regarding."

2. Typical Sentence Structures:

Here's how it’s used in common sentence patterns:

  • "Concerning [topic],..." – This is the most frequent structure.

    • “Concerning the upcoming meeting, we need to confirm everyone’s availability.” (Regarding the upcoming meeting...)
    • “Concerning your application, we are pleased to inform you…” (About your application…)
    • “Concerning the weather, it’s going to be rainy tomorrow.” (In relation to the weather…)

  • "I am writing/speaking concerning..." – This is often used in formal letters or announcements.

    • “I am writing concerning the changes to our policy.”

  • "It is concerning that..." – This expresses worry or concern about something.

    • “It is concerning that sales have decreased so significantly.”

  • "Concerningly..." - (Adverbial Use) Used to start a sentence, adding a sense of worry or apprehension.

    • “Concerningly, the situation appears to be escalating.”

3. Examples in Different Contexts:

  • Formal Business Communication: “Concerning the budget proposal, we suggest reviewing section 3.”
  • Academic Writing: “Concerning the methodology used in the study, further clarification is needed.”
  • Everyday Conversation (Formal): “I wanted to speak concerning the issue of parking.” (You'd probably sound a bit stuffy using this in casual conversation!)
  • News Reports: “Concerning the recent economic downturn, analysts are predicting…”

4. Distinguishing from "Concerning":

It’s important not to confuse "concerning" with "concerned."

  • Concerning (adjective + verb) – Regarding something. (e.g., “The concerning news affected many people.”)
  • Concerned (adjective) – Worried or anxious. (e.g., "I am concerned about his health.")

5. Tips for Using "Concerning":

  • It’s more formal: Use "concerning" when you want to elevate the tone of your writing or speech.
  • Precise: It signals that you’re directly addressing a specific subject.
  • Consider alternatives: While "concerning" is good, sometimes "about" or "regarding" are perfectly suitable. Don't force it if the sentence flows better with a simpler word.

Resources for Further Exploration:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more specific examples in a particular context (e.g., a business letter, an academic essay)?
  • Help you practice using "concerning" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word concerning

Comment ()