alarmed me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alarmed me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something caused you to feel fear, concern, or surprise. Example: "The sudden loud noise alarmed me, making me jump in my seat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

She points out that, since the nineteen-eighties, the amount of time spent sleeping has declined at an alarming rate, and that, well, alarmed me.

The New Yorker

It alarmed me.

The New Yorker

"Really?" This rather alarmed me.

The Guardian

At first, years ago, they alarmed me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Something about the laserlike directness of the swan alarmed me.

The New York Times

He made a dark, scraping sound that alarmed me for a moment until I realized that he was laughing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

His certainty alarms me.

The New Yorker

"But he might say: 'You're alarming me.

The New York Times

Blood transfusions don't alarm me anymore.

The New York Times - Health

He said he did not want to alarm me.

The Guardian

That's what alarms me about this conference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing internal reactions or feelings, "alarmed me" is more direct and personal than other alternatives.

Common error

In formal writing, overuse of "alarmed me" can sound melodramatic. Consider using more nuanced alternatives like "concerned me" or "raised concerns" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alarmed me" functions as a verb phrase indicating a subject's reaction to something that caused them fear, concern, or surprise. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It showcases a direct expression of emotional response, as seen in many of the examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alarmed me" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a feeling of fear, surprise, or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers various real-world examples. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in reporting events that cause unease. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the formality of the context and choose alternative phrases like "concerned me" or "raised concerns" in more professional settings. Remember that "alarmed me" is a strong phrase, best used when the situation genuinely caused a feeling of alarm, as opposed to mild surprise or curiosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightened me

Suggests a more intense feeling of fear.

startled me

Implies a sudden, unexpected surprise, often physical.

disturbed me

Implies a feeling of unease or discomfort.

concerned me

Similar to worried, but perhaps slightly more formal.

worried me

Indicates a feeling of concern or anxiety.

made me uneasy

Expresses a general feeling of discomfort and lack of ease.

uneased me

Indicates something caused you to feel unsettled and anxious.

made me anxious

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety produced.

caused me apprehension

A more formal way to express a feeling of worry about the future.

filled me with trepidation

Suggests a strong sense of fear or anxiety about something that might happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "alarmed me" to express that something caused you to feel fear, surprise, or concern. For example, "The sudden loud noise "alarmed me"."

What can I say instead of "alarmed me"?

You can use alternatives like "frightened me", "worried me", or "concerned me" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that alarmed me" or "that was alarming to me"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "that "alarmed me"" is more direct and concise. "That was alarming to me" is more formal and emphasizes the alarming quality of the subject.

What's the difference between "alarmed me" and "surprised me"?

"Alarmed me" implies a sense of fear or concern, while "surprised me" simply indicates that something unexpected happened. The level of emotional impact is different.