alarming discovery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alarming discovery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a finding or revelation that causes concern or fear. Example: "The scientists made an alarming discovery about the rapid decline of bee populations, which could have dire consequences for the ecosystem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

LATE in 2004 astronomers made an alarming discovery.

The Economist

Chris Grayling, the Conservative employment minister, called it a "truly alarming discovery".

The Guardian - Opinion

This alarming discovery prompted me to enquire what child protection training is mandatory for the judiciary.

The Guardian

Their most alarming discovery was that Labour were underperforming in key marginal seats.

The Guardian

In further studying their model, Bouchaud and Mézard made another, truly alarming discovery.

Harvard Business Review

Inside Nationstar's headquarters on the outskirts of Dallas, government regulators made an alarming discovery — and then another one, and another.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Further, alarming discoveries about the virus have continued.

The Guardian

Stage Directors UK did some research, and made some alarming discoveries.

The Guardian

And based on some compelling – and even alarming – discoveries in our research, high performers may not be getting what they need from their managers.

Harvard Business Review

"At a time when animal and plant species are becoming extinct at an alarming rate, discovery of the origin of a new plant species in Britain calls for a celebration". The plant has been added to the British list under the name of the York groundsel, as follow-up searches have found specimens only in the city.

The Guardian

The recent discovery of alarming rates of false-positive results in several research literatures the so-called replication crisis has led to a series of reforms in science publishing and practice, with the goal of making studies more transparent and reproducible.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alarming discovery", ensure the context clearly explains what makes the discovery alarming to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the potential consequences or impacts.

Common error

Avoid hyperbole. While "alarming discovery" implies concern, ensure the language used to describe the discovery's impact is proportional to the actual threat. Overstating the alarm can diminish credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alarming discovery" functions as a noun phrase, where "alarming" modifies the noun "discovery". It signifies a finding that causes concern or fear, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alarming discovery" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a finding that causes concern or fear. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively highlights potentially negative implications. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for conveying serious information. When employing "alarming discovery", ensure clarity by specifying the reasons for the alarm. Alternatives such as "disturbing revelation" or "concerning finding" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbing revelation

Focuses more on the unsettling nature of the finding.

concerning finding

Emphasizes the worrisome aspect of the information.

worrying discovery

Highlights the anxiety-inducing aspect of the finding.

shocking revelation

Stresses the element of surprise and potential impact.

unexpectedly alarming find

Adds an element of surprise to the concerning find.

startling discovery

Highlights the sudden and surprising nature of the discovery.

troubling development

Shifts focus to the implications of the finding as an unfolding situation.

unsettling revelation

Emphasizes the disturbance the discovery causes.

disconcerting discovery

Highlights the confusing or unsettling nature of the discovery.

unwelcome finding

Emphasizes that the discovery is undesirable or unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "alarming discovery" in a sentence?

You can use "alarming discovery" to describe a finding that causes concern or fear. For example, "The researchers made an "alarming discovery" about the effects of pollution on the local ecosystem."

What's a good alternative to "alarming discovery"?

Alternatives include "disturbing revelation", "concerning finding", or "worrying discovery", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the finding.

Is "alarming discovery" formal or informal?

"Alarming discovery" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although in very formal writing, you might consider a more nuanced alternative depending on the specific tone you wish to convey.

What makes a discovery "alarming"?

A discovery is considered "alarming" when it reveals information that suggests potential danger, negative consequences, or a threat to well-being or stability.