alarmed at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alarmed at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a feeling of fear or concern about something that has happened or is happening. Example: "She was alarmed at the sudden increase in crime in her neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm alarmed at the government's complacency.

The Guardian

Many are alarmed at this trend.

The Guardian

He actually looked alarmed at that.

The New York Times

Canadian business is alarmed at the deepening chill.

The Economist

"There's nothing to be alarmed at," Mr. Kelly said.

The New York Times

Don't be alarmed at all the potential fruits you're removing.

The New York Times - Style

Which organizations are most alarmed at this provision?

The New York Times

Consumers, perhaps alarmed at their own expanding waistlines, are responding.

The New York Times

Humanitarian agencies are increasingly alarmed at the devastation in Aleppo.

The Guardian

Montag said he was alarmed at the discovery.

The Guardian

Now, alarmed at the trajectory of Medicare costs, they emphasize efficiency as an equally important goal.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alarmed at", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and the reason for alarm is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid replacing "at" with other prepositions like "by" or "with" after "alarmed". The correct form is always "alarmed at".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alarmed at" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of fear, anxiety, or concern. The examples from Ludwig illustrate this, showing how individuals or groups are "alarmed at" specific events or situations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alarmed at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a state of worry, concern, or fear regarding a specific event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its correctness and widespread use are evident across diverse sources, predominantly in news and media. While appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, including professional and academic settings, it's crucial to maintain clarity by explicitly stating the subject and cause of alarm. Alternatives like "concerned about" or "worried about" can be used to express a milder degree of concern. Remember to use "at" and not other prepositions in conjunction with "alarmed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerned about

Expresses worry or unease about something; slightly less intense than "alarmed at".

worried about

Similar to "concerned about", indicating a state of anxiety or apprehension.

apprehensive about

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or fear that something unpleasant might happen.

anxious about

Indicates a state of worry and nervousness.

disturbed by

Expresses a feeling of being bothered or upset by something.

dismayed by

Implies a feeling of shock and disappointment.

shocked by

Indicates a sudden and intense feeling of surprise and distress.

startled by

Suggests a sudden feeling of surprise and alarm.

taken aback by

Implies surprise and mild shock.

uneasy about

Expresses a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "alarmed at" in a sentence?

The phrase "alarmed at" is used to express that someone is feeling worried, concerned, or frightened by something. For example, "She was alarmed at the sudden noise" or "Experts are alarmed at the increasing rate of deforestation".

What is a good alternative to "alarmed at"?

Some alternatives to "alarmed at" include "concerned about", "worried about", or "anxious about". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "alarmed by" or "alarmed at"?

While both can be used, "alarmed at" is more common and generally preferred. "Alarmed by" is also grammatically correct, but it is less frequently used in contemporary English. Thus, most of the time it would be best to use "alarmed at".

What does it mean to be "alarmed at" something?

To be "alarmed at" something means to feel a sense of fear, concern, or anxiety about it. This often implies a sudden realization or awareness of a potential danger or problem.