This highlights the concern
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Literally: This [subject] makes the [worry/problem] shine brightly
In 15 Seconds
- Points out evidence that proves a worry is valid.
- Bridges a specific event to a larger problem.
- Sounds professional, logical, and calm during a disagreement.
Meaning
This phrase is used to point out a specific fact or event that makes a problem or worry very obvious. It's like shining a bright flashlight on a crack in a wall so everyone can see it clearly.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a project delay in a meeting
The fact that we missed the deadline highlights the concern regarding our current staffing levels.
The fact that we missed the deadline highlights the concern regarding our current staffing levels.
Talking about a glitchy new app with a friend
The app crashed twice today; this really highlights the concern about its stability.
The app crashed twice today; this really highlights the concern about its stability.
A formal email to a landlord
The leak in the ceiling highlights the concern I raised last month about the roof's condition.
The leak in the ceiling highlights the concern I raised last month about the roof's condition.
Cultural Background
In American corporate culture, this phrase is often used to 'soften' a criticism. Instead of saying 'You made a mistake,' a manager might say, 'This error highlights the concern regarding our quality control process.' In British politics, the phrase is a staple of 'Parliamentary language.' It is used to point out government failures in a way that sounds sophisticated and measured rather than aggressive. Globally, in the scientific community, this phrase is used to discuss 'limitations.' It is a humble way to show that your research has found a problem that needs more study. International news agencies (like Reuters or AP) use this phrase to connect local events to global trends, providing a 'hook' for the reader.
Use the Definite Article
Always use 'the concern' instead of 'a concern' if you want to sound like you are referring to a well-known issue. It makes you sound more informed.
Don't Overuse It
Because it is a very formal phrase, using it too often in one paragraph can make your writing feel repetitive and 'stiff.' Mix it up with 'underscores' or 'emphasizes.'
In 15 Seconds
- Points out evidence that proves a worry is valid.
- Bridges a specific event to a larger problem.
- Sounds professional, logical, and calm during a disagreement.
What It Means
Think of this highlights the concern as a way to say, "Look! This is exactly why we are worried." It takes a vague feeling of unease and attaches it to a real-world example. It is about making a problem visible. You aren't just saying there is a problem. You are showing the evidence that proves it exists.
How To Use It
You usually start with a fact or a recent event. Then you drop this phrase to connect that fact to a bigger issue. For example, if your phone battery dies in ten minutes, you say, "This highlights the concern about the phone's quality." It acts as a bridge between an observation and a conclusion. It makes you sound very logical and observant.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be taken seriously. It is perfect for meetings when a project is going off the rails. It works great when discussing news or politics with friends over coffee. You can even use it when complaining about a service. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying, "This is bad."
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for very tiny, personal gripes. If you drop your ice cream, don't say, "This highlights the concern about gravity." It will make you sound like a robot or a very dramatic professor. Also, don't use it if the problem is already blindingly obvious to everyone. You don't need to highlight the sun at noon.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking professional cultures, direct confrontation can sometimes feel rude. This phrase is a "soft" way to be critical. It shifts the focus from a person's mistake to the "concern" itself. It’s a hallmark of C2-level English because it shows you can navigate complex social dynamics with precision. It became very popular in corporate and journalistic circles in the late 20th century.
Common Variations
This underscores the issue(even more emphasis)This brings the concern to light(more visual)This reinforces my worries(more personal)This points to a larger problem(suggesting a pattern)
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the C2 level because it requires an understanding of nuance and 'distanced' criticism. It is most effective in professional writing and formal debates.
Use the Definite Article
Always use 'the concern' instead of 'a concern' if you want to sound like you are referring to a well-known issue. It makes you sound more informed.
Don't Overuse It
Because it is a very formal phrase, using it too often in one paragraph can make your writing feel repetitive and 'stiff.' Mix it up with 'underscores' or 'emphasizes.'
The 'I Told You So' Phrase
Be careful; in some contexts, this phrase can sound slightly arrogant, as if you are saying 'I knew this would happen.'
Examples
6The fact that we missed the deadline highlights the concern regarding our current staffing levels.
The fact that we missed the deadline highlights the concern regarding our current staffing levels.
Connects a specific failure (missed deadline) to a systemic issue (staffing).
The app crashed twice today; this really highlights the concern about its stability.
The app crashed twice today; this really highlights the concern about its stability.
Uses the phrase to justify a negative opinion about a product.
The leak in the ceiling highlights the concern I raised last month about the roof's condition.
The leak in the ceiling highlights the concern I raised last month about the roof's condition.
Creates a paper trail showing that a previous warning was ignored.
The smoke alarm going off certainly highlights the concern about your 'secret' recipe.
The smoke alarm going off certainly highlights the concern about your 'secret' recipe.
Uses formal language for a sarcastic, funny effect.
This near-miss highlights the concern for the safety of the children in this park.
This near-miss highlights the concern for the safety of the children in this park.
Expresses serious worry based on a recent event.
Nobody knows what the boss wants. This highlights the concern about our internal communication.
Nobody knows what the boss wants. This highlights the concern about our internal communication.
Summarizes a shared frustration in a concise way.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence using the correct form of the phrase and the appropriate preposition.
The recent data breach ________ the concern ________ our cybersecurity.
We need the singular verb 'highlights' to match 'data breach' and 'regarding' is the most formal preposition.
Which sentence uses the phrase in the most appropriate register?
Choose the best sentence for a formal business report.
Option D uses formal vocabulary ('declining profit margins') which matches the formal register of the phrase.
Match the event to the concern it highlights.
Event: 'A bridge collapses during a minor storm.'
A bridge collapse is a direct symptom of poor infrastructure maintenance.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
Speaker A: 'The new AI can write code that looks exactly like a human's.' Speaker B: '_________________'
Job security is a logical concern to link to the rise of AI coding.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe recent data breach ________ the concern ________ our cybersecurity.
We need the singular verb 'highlights' to match 'data breach' and 'regarding' is the most formal preposition.
Choose the best sentence for a formal business report.
Option D uses formal vocabulary ('declining profit margins') which matches the formal register of the phrase.
Event: 'A bridge collapses during a minor storm.'
A bridge collapse is a direct symptom of poor infrastructure maintenance.
Speaker A: 'The new AI can write code that looks exactly like a human's.' Speaker B: '_________________'
Job security is a logical concern to link to the rise of AI coding.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it is less formal. 'The concern' sounds objective and professional, while 'my concern' sounds personal.
In a formal essay or business meeting, yes. 'Highlights' suggests a deeper level of analysis than 'shows.'
The most common are 'regarding,' 'about,' and 'over.' 'Regarding' is the most formal.
Only if you are being sarcastic or very serious. It's usually too formal for texting.
Not always, but when paired with 'concern,' it is always about a problem. You can 'highlight the success' of something too.
They are almost identical. 'Underscores' is slightly more formal and emphasizes the 'foundation' of an argument.
Yes: 'The event highlighted the concern.' This is common when writing history or reports on past events.
Both are fine. Use 'concerns' if there are multiple different problems being shown.
Both! It is a standard phrase in all major varieties of English.
Yes, this is common in political speeches to show that the speaker understands the public's worries.
Related Phrases
Underscore the point
similarTo emphasize a specific argument.
Raise a red flag
similarTo signal a warning.
Bring to light
builds onTo reveal something that was hidden.
Downplay the issue
contrastTo make a problem seem less important.
Exacerbate the problem
similarTo make a problem worse.
