Cause for alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cause for alarm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a situation or event that should raise concern or worry. Example: "The sudden increase in crime rates is a cause for alarm among residents in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is not cause for alarm".

The New Yorker

Which is, according to "Outfoxed," cause for alarm, and for action.

The New York Times

The growing strength of the extreme left and right was not cause for alarm, he said.

The Guardian

All these soft organic lines and shallow impressions were not initially cause for alarm.

The New Yorker

This is not necessarily cause for alarm.

Science Magazine

And even those comments gave scientists cause for alarm.

Los Angeles Times

No cause for alarm, then.

The Economist

ReprintsSo no cause for alarm?

The Economist

There's no cause for alarm".

The New York Times

So, again, no cause for alarm.

The New Yorker

This is no cause for alarm.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific topics, be specific about the data or findings that constitute a "cause for alarm". Back up your claim with verifiable evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for alarm" when the situation is merely a minor inconvenience or a slight deviation from the norm. Reserve it for genuinely concerning scenarios to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for alarm" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a reason or situation that should provoke concern or anxiety. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause for alarm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote situations warranting concern. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, highlighting its prominent usage in news, media and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios genuinely deserving of heightened attention to prevent overstating less severe situations. Consider alternatives like "reason for concern" or "grounds for apprehension" for slightly different nuances. When you want to signal a warning, use "cause for alarm". However, don't state things like that "there's no "cause for alarm"" unless there's a reason to be wary!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reason for concern

Focuses on the justification for worry, rather than the feeling itself.

Reason to be worried

A more direct and explicit way of stating the cause for concern.

Grounds for apprehension

Emphasizes the basis for feeling anxious or uneasy.

Source of worry

Highlights the origin or trigger of concern.

Justification for anxiety

Similar to "grounds for apprehension", focuses on the reasons behind the anxiety.

Matter of concern

Presents the situation as something requiring attention and consideration.

Cause for disquiet

Suggests a feeling of unease or anxiety.

Alarm bells ringing

Uses a metaphor to convey a sense of immediate danger or warning.

Call for vigilance

Emphasizes the need for careful observation and alertness.

Impetus for caution

Highlights that something serves as an encouragement to be careful.

FAQs

How can I use "cause for alarm" in a sentence?

You can use "cause for alarm" to describe situations that should raise concern. For instance, "The rising sea levels are a "cause for alarm" for coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "cause for alarm"?

Alternatives include "reason for concern", "grounds for apprehension", or "source of worry depending" on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cause for alarm" in formal writing?

Yes, "cause for alarm" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, scientific papers, and business documents where you need to highlight a serious concern.

What's the difference between "cause for concern" and "cause for alarm"?

"Cause for concern" indicates a general worry, while "cause for alarm" suggests a more immediate or serious threat. The latter implies a need for urgent attention or action.