alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "alarm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a device or warning signal that alerts you to danger or something urgent. For example, "The alarm sounded when the fire broke out in the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was another alarm for the Saints in the last minute when Myler was injured in tackling the Saracens hooker, Jamie George.

The Guardian - Sport

"Ask to see the gas safety certificate and make sure the property is fitted with a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector".

The Guardian

It's not as if the Brexit alarm came out of the blue after Cameron's re-election.

The Guardian

Khawaja later deleted the original tweet and called it a false alarm.

The Guardian

A spike in the numbers of immigrants attempting the dangerous sea crossing from Libya has sparked alarm in Europe, particularly after about 800 people drowned in a Mediterranean shipwreck last month.

The Guardian

Related: Voting age for EU referendum should be lowered to 16, says SNP Other EU citizens can vote in local elections and European elections, and the Ukip leader Nigel Farage raised alarm at the prospect of their being included, but Number 10 has now rejected this idea.

The Guardian

Bernadett Szél, MP and co-leader of a small Green liberal party, cites the events in Kishantos and Budapest as a prime example of the "endless cynicism" of the prime minister and his party, Fidesz, whose actions and policies set him apart in the European Union, and are setting off alarm bells in Brussels and Washington.

The Guardian

David Aaronovitch in the Times (paywall) wasn't impressed by Nick Clegg's article about "alarm clock Britain" in the Sun earlier this week.

The Guardian

I now need to set my alarm, get to the library, make those notes I never made, read all the books under the sun, then organise my thoughts and prepare to persuasively argue on a given topic.

The Guardian

Security guards at Rothamsted Research called police on Sunday morning when an alarm was tripped around private land where scientists are growing a GM strain of wheat that produces a natural aphid repellent found in peppermint and other plants.

The Guardian

Related: Hatton Garden heist gang were inside building when police dismissed alarm Terry Perkins, 67, Daniel Jones, 58, and Hugh Doyle, 48, all of Enfield, north London; William Lincoln, 59, of Bethnal Green, east London; and John Collins, 74, of Islington, north London, all appeared via videolink from HMP Belmarsh at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alarm" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a device, a signal, or a feeling of unease. This will help avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is clearly understood.

Common error

Avoid using "alarm" in situations where the situation doesn't warrant such a strong reaction. Overusing the word can diminish its impact and make your writing sound sensationalized.

Linguistic Context

The word "alarm" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a device or signal that provides a warning, or as a verb, indicating the act of causing fear or alerting someone to danger. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from physical alarms to emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "alarm" is a versatile term, functioning both as a noun and a verb to denote a warning signal or a state of heightened awareness and fear. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and widespread, particularly in "News & Media". While the word is common, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid unnecessary drama. Consider alternatives like "warning signal" or "alertness" for nuanced expressions. By understanding its primary contexts and communicative purposes, you can effectively incorporate "alarm" into your writing while maintaining clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warning signal

Focuses on the signal aspect of an alarm, emphasizing the notification of danger.

alert signal

Highlights the state of readiness and awareness that an alarm induces.

distress call

Emphasizes the urgency and need for assistance associated with an alarm.

danger signal

Specifically indicates a warning related to potential harm or threat.

security alert

Focuses on the security aspect, indicating a breach or potential breach.

red flag

A metaphorical alarm indicating a problem or issue that needs attention.

warning sign

Similar to warning signal, but can also refer to a physical sign or indication.

forewarning

Emphasizes the act of warning in advance about a potential danger.

alertness

Focuses on the state of being vigilant and prepared for potential dangers.

apprehension

Highlights the feeling of anxiety or fear that an alarm can evoke.

FAQs

How can I use "alarm" in a sentence?

You can use "alarm" as a noun to refer to a device or a warning signal, as in "The fire alarm went off" or as a verb to mean to frighten or warn someone, as in "The news alarmed many people".

What are some synonyms for "alarm" as a noun?

Alternatives for "alarm" include "warning signal", "alert signal", or "alert", depending on the specific context. Each carries a slightly different nuance but generally conveys a sense of impending danger or urgent attention.

How does the verb "alarm" differ from "warn"?

"Alarm" often implies a stronger sense of fear or anxiety compared to "warn". To "warn" is to simply advise of a potential danger, whereas to "alarm" suggests causing a state of heightened concern or panic.

Is it correct to say "alarm bells started ringing"?

Yes, the idiom "alarm bells started ringing" is a common and accepted expression. It means that something caused a sudden feeling of worry or suspicion. The idiom is metaphorical, not literal.