Learn English – I’d like to know whether the usage of word “concerned” in the following sentences are correct or not

word-choice

The word "concerned" always bothers me. I don't know how to use it properly and I looked into the dictionary many times but still couldn't get it. I'd like to give several examples.

  1. I always think about whether my mother, who lives alone, is eating properly. In this situation, can I say "I'm concerned about what my mother eats."?

  2. When I'm with other people, I tend to think that they are doing all right or everything is all right with them all the time. In this case, can I say "I'm concerned about others a lot."?

  3. I'm taking an important test tomorrow. In this case, can I say "I'm concerned about my test for tomorrow."?

Please tell me whether there are more appropriate sentences for these situations.

Best Answer

While I agree with J.R.'s comment that your sentences are basically fine, I think at least two could be better.

"I'm concerned about what my mother eats."

is not a problem at all.

"I'm concerned about others a lot."

is less than optimal for two reasons. First, my preference is to use very concerned about others rather than concerned about others a lot, which sounds awkward to me. Second, if you mean what you say ("I tend to think that they are doing all right or everything is all right with them all the time"), then your sentence is actually contradictory, and you don't mean what you say. If you were concerned, you'd be worried that they weren't okay, but you're not worried.

"I'm concerned about my test for tomorrow."

I think it'd be more natural to say "I'm worried about tomorrow's test. I'm usually concerned about others' problems but I worry about myself and my problems.

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