Mastering “Concerning”: Sentence Examples and Usage
Understanding how to use prepositions correctly is crucial for clear and effective communication in English. The preposition “concerning” is often used to introduce the topic or subject matter being discussed.
It’s a versatile word that adds precision to your writing and speech. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using “concerning” in sentences, covering its definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply an English language enthusiast, this guide will help you master the nuances of “concerning” and enhance your overall language proficiency.
By exploring various examples and practical exercises, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how to integrate “concerning” seamlessly into your sentences. This detailed exploration will equip you with the confidence to use “concerning” accurately and effectively in a wide range of contexts.
Let’s embark on this linguistic journey and unlock the full potential of this essential preposition.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Concerning”
- Structural Breakdown
- Usage Contexts
- Examples of “Concerning” in Sentences
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of “Concerning”
The preposition “concerning” means relating to, regarding, or about a particular subject or topic. It is used to introduce what someone is speaking or writing about. It indicates the subject matter that will be addressed. “Concerning” often appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to set the context. It’s a more formal alternative to “about” and adds a degree of seriousness or importance to the topic.
For example, in the sentence “Concerning the budget, we need to make some changes,” the word “concerning” introduces the topic of the budget. This informs the listener or reader that the subsequent part of the sentence will discuss matters related to the budget.
The preposition helps to focus the attention on the subject at hand.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of a sentence using “concerning” typically involves the preposition followed by a noun or noun phrase. This prepositional phrase then acts as an introductory element to the main clause.
Understanding this structure helps in constructing grammatically correct and clear sentences.
Here’s the basic structure:
Concerning + [Noun/Noun Phrase], [Main Clause]
Let’s break it down further:
- Concerning: The preposition itself.
- Noun/Noun Phrase: The topic or subject being introduced. This could be a single word (e.g., “Concerning safety…”) or a phrase (e.g., “Concerning the new regulations…”).
- Main Clause: The main part of the sentence that provides information or makes a statement about the topic.
For example:
Concerning the meeting, it has been postponed.
In this example, “concerning” is followed by the noun phrase “the meeting,” and then the main clause “it has been postponed” provides the information about the meeting.
Usage Contexts
“Concerning” is versatile and can be used in various contexts, ranging from formal to informal. However, it is generally more common in formal writing and speech.
Understanding the appropriate contexts for its use can help you use it effectively.
Here are some typical contexts:
- Formal Writing: Used in reports, essays, and other formal documents to introduce a topic.
- Business Communication: Used in emails, memos, and presentations to address specific issues.
- Legal Documents: Often found in legal contracts and agreements to specify the subject matter.
- Academic Discussions: Employed in research papers and scholarly articles.
- General Conversation: While less common, it can be used in everyday conversation, especially when introducing a serious or important topic.
While “concerning” is generally more formal than “about,” it can still be used in more casual settings if the situation calls for a more serious tone. The key is to consider your audience and the overall purpose of your communication.
Examples of “Concerning” in Sentences
To fully grasp the usage of “concerning,” let’s explore a variety of examples in different contexts. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate “concerning” into your sentences effectively.
General Usage
This section provides general examples of “concerning” used in various sentence structures and contexts.
The following table presents a variety of sentences demonstrating the use of “concerning” in general contexts. Each example showcases how “concerning” introduces a specific topic or subject matter.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | Concerning the new project, we need to allocate more resources. |
| 2 | Concerning your request, we are still reviewing the details. |
| 3 | Concerning the recent changes, I have a few questions. |
| 4 | Concerning the weather forecast, it looks like it will rain tomorrow. |
| 5 | Concerning the deadline, we need to extend it by a week. |
| 6 | Concerning the budget cuts, several departments will be affected. |
| 7 | Concerning the upcoming conference, registration is now open. |
| 8 | Concerning the safety regulations, all employees must comply. |
| 9 | Concerning the customer feedback, we need to address the complaints. |
| 10 | Concerning the terms of the agreement, we should consult a lawyer. |
| 11 | Concerning the application process, make sure you have all required documents. |
| 12 | Concerning the potential risks, a thorough assessment is needed. |
| 13 | Concerning the proposed solution, further discussion is required. |
| 14 | Concerning the employee benefits, changes will be announced soon. |
| 15 | Concerning the company’s performance, the results are promising. |
| 16 | Concerning the software update, ensure all devices are compatible. |
| 17 | Concerning the new policy, training sessions will be provided. |
| 18 | Concerning the environmental impact, we need to consider sustainable practices. |
| 19 | Concerning the market trends, a detailed analysis is necessary. |
| 20 | Concerning the research findings, the data supports our hypothesis. |
| 21 | Concerning the ongoing investigation, we are cooperating fully with the authorities. |
| 22 | Concerning the allegations, we are conducting an internal review. |
| 23 | Concerning the financial report, there are some discrepancies that need clarification. |
| 24 | Concerning the recent merger, integration plans are underway. |
| 25 | Concerning the security breach, immediate action has been taken. |
| 26 | Concerning the production delays, we are working to resolve the issues. |
| 27 | Concerning the product launch, marketing strategies are being finalized. |
| 28 | Concerning the sales figures, there has been a significant increase this quarter. |
| 29 | Concerning the inventory management, we are implementing a new system. |
| 30 | Concerning the customer service department, improvements are being made. |
Formal Contexts
In formal writing and speech, “concerning” adds a level of professionalism and seriousness. This section provides examples of its use in such contexts.
The following table illustrates the use of “concerning” in formal contexts, such as official letters, reports, and legal documents. Note the serious and professional tone conveyed in each example.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | Concerning the aforementioned clause, we require further clarification. |
| 2 | Concerning the attached documents, please review them at your earliest convenience. |
| 3 | Concerning the matter at hand, we must proceed with caution. |
| 4 | Concerning the legal implications, we have consulted with our attorneys. |
| 5 | Concerning the terms and conditions, all parties must adhere to them strictly. |
| 6 | Concerning the proposed amendments, we will consider them carefully. |
| 7 | Concerning the official statement, it will be released tomorrow morning. |
| 8 | Concerning the confidential information, it must be handled with discretion. |
| 9 | Concerning the pending litigation, we are preparing our defense. |
| 10 | Concerning the regulatory compliance, we are committed to meeting all requirements. |
| 11 | Concerning the intellectual property rights, we will take necessary measures to protect them. |
| 12 | Concerning the corporate governance, we adhere to the highest standards of ethics. |
| 13 | Concerning the financial audit, the results will be available next week. |
| 14 | Concerning the risk management plan, we have identified potential vulnerabilities. |
| 15 | Concerning the strategic objectives, we are aligned with the company’s vision. |
| 16 | Concerning the stakeholder engagement, we value the opinions of all parties involved. |
| 17 | Concerning the corporate social responsibility, we are committed to sustainable practices. |
| 18 | Concerning the crisis management protocol, we are prepared to respond effectively. |
| 19 | Concerning the ethical considerations, we prioritize integrity in all our actions. |
| 20 | Concerning the compliance requirements, we ensure adherence to all applicable laws. |
| 21 | Concerning the ongoing investigation, we assure you of our full cooperation and transparency. |
| 22 | Concerning the submitted proposal, the board will review and provide feedback within two weeks. |
| 23 | Concerning the annual report, it provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s performance. |
| 24 | Concerning the data privacy regulations, we are implementing strict security measures. |
| 25 | Concerning the contractual obligations, both parties are bound to fulfill their responsibilities. |
| 26 | Concerning the patent application, it has been submitted to the relevant authorities. |
| 27 | Concerning the licensing agreement, the terms are clearly outlined in the document. |
| 28 | Concerning the warranty policy, it covers defects in materials and workmanship. |
| 29 | Concerning the insurance coverage, it provides comprehensive protection against potential risks. |
| 30 | Concerning the liability claims, they are being handled in accordance with legal procedures. |
Informal Contexts
While “concerning” is less common in informal settings, it can still be used to introduce a topic in a slightly more serious or thoughtful way. This section provides examples of its use in informal conversations and writings.
The following table shows how “concerning” can be used in informal contexts, although alternatives like “about” or “regarding” are often more common. The examples demonstrate a slightly more thoughtful or serious tone than a completely casual conversation would typically have.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | Concerning your health, I hope you’re feeling better. |
| 2 | Concerning last night, I apologize if I said anything out of line. |
| 3 | Concerning the party, are you planning to bring anything? |
| 4 | Concerning your job interview, I wish you the best of luck. |
| 5 | Concerning the vacation, have you decided where to go? |
| 6 | Concerning the movie, I heard it’s really good. |
| 7 | Concerning the dinner plans, are we still on for Saturday? |
| 8 | Concerning the new game, have you tried it yet? |
| 9 | Concerning the concert, I’m really looking forward to it. |
| 10 | Concerning the book you recommended, I’m enjoying it so far. |
| 11 | Concerning your family, I hope everyone is doing well. |
| 12 | Concerning the news, it’s been quite overwhelming lately. |
| 13 | Concerning the project we’re working on, let’s schedule a meeting. |
| 14 | Concerning the feedback you gave me, I appreciate your honesty. |
| 15 | Concerning the changes in the schedule, I’ll keep you updated. |
| 16 | Concerning the new restaurant, we should try it sometime. |
| 17 | Concerning the event next week, do you need a ride? |
| 18 | Concerning the course I’m taking, it’s been very interesting. |
| 19 | Concerning the advice you gave me, it really helped me. |
| 20 | Concerning the issue we discussed, I’ve given it some thought. |
| 21 | Concerning the new neighbor, have you had a chance to meet them yet? |
| 22 | Concerning the upcoming holidays, are you planning any special celebrations? |
| 23 | Concerning the garden, I’ve been trying to grow some new plants. |
| 24 | Concerning the renovations, they’re finally nearing completion. |
| 25 | Concerning the traffic, it’s been terrible this week. |
| 26 | Concerning the local community, there are some important initiatives happening. |
| 27 | Concerning the volunteer work, I’m thinking of joining a cause. |
| 28 | Concerning the summer plans, are you considering any travel? |
| 29 | Concerning the new hobbies, I’ve been thinking of taking up photography. |
| 30 | Concerning the support you’ve shown, I’m incredibly thankful. |
Questions
“Concerning” can also be used to frame questions, particularly when seeking information about a specific topic. This section provides examples of such questions.
The following table provides example questions using “concerning.” These questions demonstrate how to inquire about specific topics or issues using “concerning” in a formal or semi-formal way.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | Concerning the budget, what are the main priorities? |
| 2 | Concerning the project deadline, can it be extended? |
| 3 | Concerning the new regulations, when do they take effect? |
| 4 | Concerning the customer complaints, what steps are being taken to address them? |
| 5 | Concerning the upcoming conference, who will be the keynote speaker? |
| 6 | Concerning the safety protocols, are there any updates? |
| 7 | Concerning the employee benefits, what changes are being considered? |
| 8 | Concerning the company’s performance, what are the projections for next quarter? |
| 9 | Concerning the software update, what are the key improvements? |
| 10 | Concerning the new policy, how will it affect employees? |
| 11 | Concerning the environmental impact, what measures are being implemented to mitigate it? |
| 12 | Concerning the market trends, what are the key insights? |
| 13 | Concerning the research findings, what are the implications for future studies? |
| 14 | Concerning the ongoing investigation, what is the current status? |
| 15 | Concerning the allegations, what evidence has been gathered? |
| 16 | Concerning the financial report, what are the key highlights? |
| 17 | Concerning the recent merger, what are the integration plans? |
| 18 | Concerning the security breach, what steps have been taken to prevent future incidents? |
| 19 | Concerning the production delays, what is the estimated recovery time? |
| 20 | Concerning the product launch, what are the marketing strategies? |
| 21 | Concerning the sales figures, what factors contributed to the recent increase? |
| 22 | Concerning the inventory management, what improvements are being implemented? |
| 23 | Concerning the customer service department, what initiatives are in place to enhance satisfaction? |
| 24 | Concerning the intellectual property rights, what actions have been taken to protect them? |
| 25 | Concerning the corporate governance, what measures ensure ethical conduct? |
| 26 | Concerning the financial audit, what were the key findings and recommendations? |
| 27 | Concerning the risk management plan, what are the identified vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies? |
| 28 | Concerning the strategic objectives, how are they aligned with the company’s long-term vision? |
| 29 | Concerning the stakeholder engagement, how are the opinions of all parties being considered? |
| 30 | Concerning the corporate social responsibility, what sustainable practices are being implemented? |
Negative Sentences
While less common, “concerning” can be used in negative sentences to indicate what something does not relate to or is not about. This section provides examples of such sentences.
The following table provides examples of negative sentences using “concerning.” These examples demonstrate how to indicate what a subject is *not* related to or about, using “concerning” within a negative sentence structure.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | Concerning the rumors, there is no truth to them. |
| 2 | Concerning the allegations, we found no evidence to support them. |
| 3 | Concerning the project delays, they are not due to lack of funding. |
| 4 | Concerning the company’s struggles, they are not related to poor management. |
| 5 | Concerning the product recall, it is not affecting all models. |
| 6 | Concerning the recent changes, they are not intended to reduce employee benefits. |
| 7 | Concerning the investigation, it does not involve any criminal activity. |
| 8 | Concerning the financial losses, they are not a result of fraud. |
| 9 | Concerning the new policy, it is not meant to be restrictive. |
| 10 | Concerning the performance issues, they are not indicative of widespread problems. |
| 11 | Concerning the proposed cuts, they are not targeting essential services. |
| 12 | Concerning the environmental damage, it is not irreparable. |
| 13 | Concerning the safety concerns, they are not being ignored. |
| 14 | Concerning the legal challenges, they are not insurmountable. |
| 15 | Concerning the ethical dilemmas, they are not being taken lightly. |
| 16 | Concerning the compliance failures, they are not systemic. |
| 17 | Concerning the operational inefficiencies, they are not beyond repair. |
| 18 | Concerning the strategic missteps, they are not irreversible. |
| 19 | Concerning the stakeholder dissatisfaction, it is not universal. |
| 20 | Concerning the corporate reputation, it is not irreparably damaged. |
| 21 | Concerning the market downturn, it is not expected to last indefinitely. |
| 22 | Concerning the economic recession, it is not affecting all sectors equally. |
| 23 | Concerning the political instability, it is not impacting all regions. |
| 24 | Concerning the social unrest, it is not representative of the entire population. |
| 25 | Concerning the cultural differences, they are not insurmountable barriers to understanding. |
| 26 | Concerning the technological challenges, they are not beyond our capabilities. |
| 27 | Concerning the scientific uncertainties, they are not preventing progress. |
| 28 | Concerning the philosophical debates, they are not without practical implications. |
| 29 | Concerning the artistic interpretations, they are not devoid of personal meaning. |
| 30 | Concerning the historical events, they are not without lessons for the future. |
Usage Rules
To use “concerning” correctly, it’s important to understand the rules that govern its usage. These rules include placement, synonyms, and ensuring clarity.
Placement in a Sentence
The most common placement for “concerning” is at the beginning of a sentence or clause. This helps to immediately establish the topic.
However, it can occasionally appear elsewhere, although this is less frequent.
Beginning of Sentence: Concerning the new policy, it will take effect next month.
Beginning of Clause: We need to discuss the budget, concerning which I have several questions. (Less common)
Synonyms and Alternatives
“Concerning” has several synonyms and alternatives that can be used depending on the context. These include “about,” “regarding,” “relating to,” “pertaining to,” and “with regard to.”
Here’s a comparison:
| Word | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| About | Informal | About the meeting, what time does it start? |
| Regarding | Semi-formal | Regarding the meeting, what time does it start? |
| Relating to | Formal | Relating to the meeting, what time does it start? |
| Pertaining to | Formal | Pertaining to the meeting, what time does it start? |
| Concerning | Formal | Concerning the meeting, what time does it start? |
| With regard to | Very Formal | With regard to the meeting, what time does it start? |
Choose the synonym that best fits the tone and context of your writing or speech. “About” is suitable for informal situations, while “concerning,” “regarding,” and “pertaining to” are better suited for formal contexts.
Ensuring Clarity
When using “concerning,” ensure that the topic is clearly defined. Avoid ambiguity by specifying exactly what you are referring to.
This will prevent confusion and ensure that your message is easily understood.
Clear: Concerning the proposed budget cuts, we need to evaluate the impact on each department.
Unclear: Concerning things, we need to make changes. (What “things” are you referring to?)
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using “concerning” in informal contexts where “about” would be more appropriate. Another is using “concerning” without clearly specifying the topic.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Concerning my day, it was fine. | About my day, it was fine. | “About” is more appropriate for casual conversation. |
| Concerning, we need to talk. | Concerning the project, we need to talk. | The topic must be clearly specified. |
| The report concerning. | The report is concerning. | “Concerning” needs a noun phrase after it when used as a preposition. Here, the sentence is missing a verb. |
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of “concerning,” try the following practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with “concerning” or an appropriate synonym.
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ______ the new regulations, when do they take effect? | Concerning |
| 2 | I have a question ______ the project deadline. | Regarding / About |
| 3 | ______ the meeting, it has been postponed. | Concerning |
| 4 | What are your thoughts ______ the proposal? | About / Regarding |
| 5 | ______ the recent changes, I have some concerns. | Concerning |
| 6 | The email was ______ the upcoming conference. | About |
| 7 | ______ the company’s performance, the results are promising. | Concerning |
| 8 | I need more information ______ the new policy. | About / Regarding |
| 9 | ______ the safety protocols, are there any updates? | Concerning |
| 10 | The discussion was ______ the budget cuts. | About |
Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting
Rewrite the following sentences using “concerning.”
| # | Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | About the new software, what are its features? | Concerning the new software, what are its features? |
| 2 | Regarding your request, we are processing it. | Concerning your request, we are processing it. |
| 3 | I have some questions about the contract. | Concerning the contract, I have some questions. |
| 4 | What are your thoughts on the new policy? | Concerning the new policy, what are your thoughts? |
| 5 | Let’s talk about the upcoming event. | Concerning the upcoming event, let’s talk. |
| 6 | Regarding the investigation, what have you found? | Concerning the investigation, what have you found? |
| 7 | I need to know about the project’s status. | Concerning the project’s status, I need to know. |
| 8 | Let’s discuss the new marketing strategy. | Concerning the new marketing strategy, let’s discuss it. |
| 9 | What’s happening with the company’s merger? | Concerning the company’s merger, what’s happening? |
| 10 | I have a few questions pertaining to the budget. | Concerning the budget, I have a few questions. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| # | Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concerning my health is good. | Concerning my health, I am doing well. |
| 2 | Concerning, we have a problem. | Concerning the issue, we have a problem. |
| 3 | The report concerning. | The report is concerning. |
| 4 | About the meeting, concerning it was productive. | Concerning the meeting, it was productive. |
| 5 | Concerning the things is good. | Concerning these matters, all is well. |
