main concern — most important worry
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
the thing you are most worried or focused about in a situation
Say it like a native
Textbook The principal matter causing me apprehension is the cost.
Native My main concern is the cost.
'My main concern is' is the natural set phrase. 'The principal matter causing me apprehension' is absurdly formal.
Pattern: main concern (of/for) + noun/pronoun
In use
- My main concern right now is finding a new job.daily life
- When choosing a university, my main concern was the quality of the teaching staff.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ My main concern is about the cost.
✓ My main concern is the cost.
'My main concern is + noun' directly. ('I'm concerned ABOUT the cost' uses 'about', but 'concern is' doesn't.)
Common collocations
main concern— my main concern, is safety, the main concern is, raise concerns
Don't confuse it
'Main concern' is about the most important issue, while 'minor concern' means something less important.