alarming reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alarming reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe information or data that is concerning or troubling, often in a context related to statistics, reports, or findings. Example: "The latest report on climate change presented some alarming reading, indicating a significant rise in global temperatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Dvorak admits that the information makes alarming reading.

The New York Times - Sports

The exams regulator Ofqual appears to think not and recent correspondence between the usually reticent chief regulator, Glenys Stacey, and the secretary of state makes alarming reading.

The Guardian

A page of warnings on the Samsung website about possible side effects of watching 3D television make for alarming reading ("do not use if you're in bad physical condition, need sleep or have been drinking alcohol") – but while this is clearly precautionary in the same way that blurb on the back of a medicine bottle is, the brain does have to put in a lot more work to process two images.

Independent

It is worth bearing in mind that if you read any patient information leaflet, the list of potential side-effects is usually extensive and often makes alarming reading.

BBC

A spokesman for the teachers' union, the Educational Institute of Scotland said the figures would make "alarming reading for trainee and induction year teachers, and for Scottish education as a whole".

BBC

Thus, while it was not a complete surprise, it was still alarming reading about a recent NCAA study cited in The Chronicle of Higher Education detailing that division 1 football players dedicated on average 44.8 hours per week to football.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And so it was also alarming to read that "the Bloomberg administration so far has sided with car alarm manufacturers".

The New York Times

If it is alarming to read Cheever bellyaching as late as 1973 about his unrequited lusts — "Why should people not respond to my caresses.

The New York Times - Books

Dipping at some arbitrary point into the river of text, it's alarming to read "... bin laden has nuclear weapons" when the preceding phrase "officials do not believe" has just eluded you.

The New York Times - Magazine

The co-dependency between Anastasia and Christian is alarming to read and even more to contemplate.

Huffington Post

In light of these statistics, it was alarming to read Ed Bruske's article in Grist.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alarming reading", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspects of the information are causing concern. Be specific rather than generally alarming.

Common error

Avoid using "alarming reading" excessively in contexts where the information, while significant, doesn't warrant extreme concern. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alarming reading" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "alarming" modifies the noun "reading". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and used to describe data or information that causes concern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alarming reading" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe concerning or troubling information presented in a written format. Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples reveals that the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with the intention of expressing concern or highlighting the negative implications of the information. Although the phrase is not very common, its usage is consistent across various reputable sources. Alternatives such as "worrying information" or "concerning data" can be used for a more formal tone. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the information genuinely warrants a sense of alarm to maintain its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worrying information

Replaces the adjective "alarming" with "worrying" offering a direct synonym while maintaining the same structure.

disturbing content

Substitutes "alarming" with "disturbing" and "reading" with "content", altering the emotional tone slightly.

concerning data

Replaces "alarming" with "concerning" and "reading" with "data", focusing on the factual aspect.

troubling details

Changes both words to convey a sense of unease about specific facts or pieces of information.

ominous implications

Shifts the focus to the potential future outcomes suggested by the information, creating a sense of foreboding.

sobering facts

Emphasizes the serious and thoughtful consideration the information warrants, implying a need for careful reflection.

disquieting report

Uses "disquieting" to highlight the anxiety-inducing nature of a formal account.

unnerving narrative

Highlights the unsettling or disturbing nature of a story or account.

frightening analysis

Emphasizes the fear-inducing aspect of a detailed examination or study.

daunting prospect

Shifts the focus to a future possibility that appears intimidating or challenging based on current information.

FAQs

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

You can use "alarming reading" to describe reports, statistics, or data that cause concern. For example, "The latest climate change report presented some "alarming reading"".

What's a more formal alternative to "alarming reading"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "concerning data" or "worrying information". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while still conveying concern.

Is "alarming reading" always negative?

Yes, "alarming reading" typically implies a negative connotation, suggesting the information is troubling or concerning. If you intend to convey neutral information, avoid using this phrase.

What kind of information qualifies as "alarming reading"?

"Alarming reading" is typically reserved for information that has serious implications or suggests potential danger or negative outcomes. Minor issues usually don't qualify.