alarming tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alarming tone" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to the tone of voice or writing of someone that conveys a sense of danger or urgency. For example, "The Prime Minister spoke with an alarming tone during his address about the new regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

City officials are warning of a traffic nightmare, urging people to stay home or get out of town with pronouncements that have taken on an increasingly alarming tone.

The New York Times

As Trump has done, Cohen refuted an allegation of sexual violence in an alarming tone that immediately brings sexual violence to mind.

The New Yorker

It strikes an alarming tone, alerting parents that their children could unwittingly encounter the drug-laced tattoos.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Set as...: Set the audio file as a ringtone, notification tone, or alarm tone.

WikiHow

Choose a nice, not so loud, alarm tone or a song that you like.

WikiHow

Then, alarm tones in the astronauts' headphones signaled something even more serious: the onboard computer, which was controlling the craft's speed and orientation, was becoming overloaded with tasks.

Huffington Post

The phones then ring with an audible alarm tone.

The Guardian - Tech

On sensing smoke the detectors emit a loud, high-pitched alarm tone, usually warbling or intermittent, and usually accompanied by a flashing light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The background noise of the Greek debt crisis resembles a continuous alarm tone," Rainer Guntermann and Peggy Jäger, analysts at Commerzbank, said in a research note.

The New York Times

Each tag can be given a different alarm tone on your phone so you know which item is at risk.

TechCrunch

You jump out of bed in a panic to discover the gray-haired man at the end of the row is gently snoring through his Cold War alarm tone.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alarming tone" to describe situations where the manner of communication itself conveys a sense of danger or urgency, not just the content.

Common error

Avoid using "alarming tone" when you mean someone was "alarmed by the tone". The first describes the characteristic of the tone itself, while the second describes someone's reaction to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alarming tone" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the manner in which something is communicated or expressed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alarming tone" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to depict a manner of communication that conveys a sense of urgency, concern, or potential danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in various contexts, primarily within news and media, as evidenced by the authoritative sources where it appears. When employing "alarming tone", writers should be mindful of its descriptive power, ensuring it accurately reflects the way a message is delivered, not just the message itself. Alternative phrases, such as "troubling tone" or "worrying tone", can be used to convey similar but subtly different shades of meaning, and attention should be paid to not confuse "alarming tone" with "alarmed by the tone".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubling tone

Replaces "alarming" with a synonym that suggests a less intense but still concerning feeling.

frightening tone

Substitutes "alarming" with a word emphasizing fear or dread.

worrying tone

Replaces "alarming" with a term indicating concern or anxiety.

ominous tone

Suggests a threatening or foreboding quality in the manner of expression.

disturbing tone

Implies that the manner of expression causes unease or discomfort.

concerning tone

A more formal and slightly milder way to express worry.

serious tone

Indicates the gravity or importance of the expression.

urgent tone

Emphasizes the immediate need for attention or action.

heated tone

Suggests intense emotion or passion in the expression.

forceful tone

Emphasizes the strength and conviction conveyed.

FAQs

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

You can use "alarming tone" to describe a manner of speaking or writing that conveys urgency or concern, such as: "The news report adopted an "alarming tone" as the hurricane approached."

What are some synonyms for "alarming tone"?

Alternatives to "alarming tone" include "troubling tone", "frightening tone", or "worrying tone". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "alarming tone" in writing?

Use "alarming tone" when the way something is communicated (voice, writing style) is inherently concerning or creates a sense of unease. This implies that the manner of delivery is as important as the message itself.

Is there a difference between "alarming tone" and "alarmed by the tone"?

Yes, "alarming tone" describes the quality of the tone itself, while "alarmed by the tone" describes someone's reaction to a tone. For example: "His "alarming tone" made me "alarmed by the tone"."