alarming event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alarming event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an incident or occurrence that causes concern or fear. Example: "The sudden earthquake was an alarming event that prompted immediate evacuation procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

JUST as mist often cloaks its spiky mountain peaks, Yemen tends to fade from outsiders' view until an alarming event there commands sudden interest.

The Economist

To this rather alarming event, which occurred in 1974, we owe the birth of St. Mark's Danspace Project... Describes the bohemian history and ornate interior of the church..

The New Yorker

Ghosts are, after all, primarily metaphors for the unshakable presence of the past, and it makes sense that a culture such as Japan's, in which ancestral tradition is so densely woven into the fabric of daily existence, would consider the appearance of a ghost a somewhat less alarming event than we Westerners would.

The New York Times

"A heroin overdose at a high school is an extremely alarming event," Levine said.

Huffington Post

Follow Harry Cheadle on Thoughr.

Vice

Several study participants recalled that health sector recommendations were particularly instrumental when they accompanied a specific alarming event.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But nobody has died — not yet — from the alarming events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

The New York Times

A professional rodeo consists of a series of fast-paced and alarming events.

The Economist

The near death of the American Folk Art Museum was one of the more alarming events in the New York art world last year.

The New York Times - Arts

Though Perry insists that his last attempts to jangle Lurie were the calls of April, 2009, Lurie sees a continuing pattern of alarming events.

The New Yorker

The alarming events involving Crowley in Texas, including police using a helicopter to locate Manziel, who indicated he might harm himself, were the final straw for the Browns.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "alarming event" to concisely describe a specific occurrence that causes concern, fear, or signals potential danger. It is effective when you want to quickly convey the seriousness of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "alarming event" to describe trivial or minor incidents. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and cause it to lose its effectiveness when describing genuinely serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alarming event" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective 'alarming' modifies the noun 'event'. It serves to categorize a particular incident as one that induces concern or fear. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alarming event" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a specific occurrence causing concern or fear. While relatively rare in usage, according to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific publications. Alternatives include phrases such as "disturbing occurrence" or "worrisome incident". When using "alarming event", ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbing occurrence

Replaces "event" with "occurrence", suggesting a more general and less specific happening that is disturbing.

worrisome incident

Substitutes "alarming" with "worrisome" and "event" with "incident", implying a cause for concern but potentially less severe than "alarming".

concerning development

Replaces both words to highlight the progressive and concerning nature of the situation.

frightening episode

Shifts the focus to the fear induced by the "event" while using a more specific term than event.

ominous situation

Indicates a threatening or inauspicious set of circumstances rather than a single event.

disquieting phenomenon

Emphasizes the unsettling and unusual nature of the "event", framing it as a broader phenomenon.

unsettling circumstance

Focuses on the disturbing and disruptive nature of the situation.

startling happening

Highlights the unexpected and surprising nature of the "event".

worrying situation

Indicates a situation causing concern or anxiety.

threatening development

Suggests that the development poses a potential danger or risk.

FAQs

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

You can use "alarming event" to describe something that causes immediate concern or fear, such as "The sudden drop in the stock market was an alarming event for investors."

What are some alternatives to "alarming event"?

Alternatives include "disturbing occurrence", "worrisome incident", or "concerning development" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "alarming event" formal or informal?

"Alarming event" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the audience and the severity of the situation when choosing your words.

What makes an event qualify as "alarming"?

An event qualifies as "alarming" if it causes significant concern, fear, or signals potential danger or negative consequences.