ENGLISH
REFERENCE

concerned with sth

prep. phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

prep. phr.. to be about a specific subject or to be interested in a particular problem.

prep. phr.. to have a specific subject as a primary focus or to be preoccupied with a particular issue; often used in academic or formal contexts to define the scope of a work.


SIMPLE

This book is mainly concerned with modern history.

CONTEXTUAL

The new government policy is primarily concerned with reducing unemployment in urban areas.

COMPLEX

The sociological study is less concerned with individual behavior than with the systemic forces that shape community identity.

Usage

usually follows a form of the verb 'to be' and is followed by a noun or a gerund.

Teaching tip

distinguish this from 'concerned about', which implies worry or anxiety, whereas 'concerned with' usually implies focus, involvement, or subject matter.

Pitfall

I am concerned with the climate change.I am concerned about climate change.use 'about' for things that make you feel worried; use 'with' for things that are the topic of your work or interest.

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