alarm bells

USAGE SUMMARY

"alarm bells" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used figuratively to indicate a warning or signal of potential danger or trouble. Example: "When I saw the news report about the virus outbreak in that area, alarm bells started ringing in my head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alarm bells rang.

The Economist

Verdict: alarm bells.

The New Yorker

Any alarm bells ringing?

The Guardian - Opinion

Alarm bells ringing out?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

More alarm bells.

The New York Times

It's alarm bells.

The New York Times

The alarm bells sounded.

The Guardian

"Alarm bells ringing".

The New York Times

Alarm bells were ringing.

The Guardian - Music

Talk about alarm bells.

The Guardian

This should ring alarm bells.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "alarm bells", ensure the context is appropriate for figurative language. It's suitable for news articles, opinion pieces, and creative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "alarm bells" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound cliché. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "warning signs" or "red flags".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alarm bells" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a verb. It indicates a warning or signal of danger, and Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alarm bells" is an idiomatic phrase used to signal a warning or cause for concern. Ludwig's AI confirms that this expression is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for various writing styles, it's best to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "warning signs" or "red flags" for varied expression. This guide provides insights into its usage, related phrases, and common errors to avoid, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting off alarms

Similar to "alarm bells", but uses a slightly different verb construction.

warning signs

This alternative refers more directly to indicators that something is wrong or about to go wrong, without the idiomatic flavor of "alarm bells".

red flags

Similar to "warning signs", but often implies more immediate and obvious concerns.

cause for concern

This phrase indicates that a situation is worrying and requires attention.

reason for anxiety

Focuses on the feeling of unease or worry that a situation provokes.

danger signals

Emphasizes the presence of threats or hazards.

early warnings

Implies that the problem is still in its initial stages and can be addressed proactively.

wake-up call

This suggests a sudden realization of a problem that was previously ignored.

raising concerns

Focuses on the action of expressing worry or doubt about something.

tipping off

Suggests a discreet warning or sharing of information about potential trouble.

FAQs

How can I use "alarm bells" in a sentence?

You can use "alarm bells" to describe a situation that causes concern or signals potential danger. For example, "The sudden drop in sales set off "alarm bells" in the marketing department."

What does it mean when "alarm bells" are ringing?

When "alarm bells" are ringing, it means that something is causing concern or signaling potential trouble. It's a warning that something might be wrong.

Are there any synonyms for "alarm bells"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "warning signs", "red flags", or "cause for concern" depending on the context.

Is "alarm bells" a formal or informal expression?

"Alarm bells" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in journalistic or narrative writing than in strictly formal documents.