I’ve been noticing a new business-speaky use of “concerning” at work recently, and it’s driving me crazy. It is as though everyone thinks they’re using good grammar, yet I think not.
They’re using “concerning” to describe something “that is of concern,” i.e. that should cause anxiety or worry. Some examples:
“…safety focus remains concerning.”
“…they have not replied, and that is somewhat concerning.”
“…I find that problem concerning.”
Any opinions on whether this is now accepted use? Anybody else find it concerning? I’m willing and ready to start mocking co-workers if it’s judged mock-worthy by the SDMB collective… but our plant manager just sent out a letter with one of those clunkers in it, so the collective had better let me know quick what the consensus is.