alarmingly common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alarmingly common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs frequently and is concerning or surprising in its prevalence. Example: "The rise of misinformation on social media platforms has become alarmingly common in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

False confessions and prosecutorial missteps are still alarmingly common".

The New York Times

Growers are left with little choice but to toss their produce, a practice that's alarmingly common.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it has become alarmingly common in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq.

The Economist

While such deviations may appear to be alarmingly common, examining individual differences may reveal a more nuanced picture.

Harvard University

Now a new study of more than 1,200 families with autistic children suggests wandering is alarmingly common.

The New York Times - Science

It also cautions that antisemitic incidents remain alarmingly common, fuelled last year in part by the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Extreme weather events, too, are becoming alarmingly more common.

Huffington Post

The new Conservative chief whip, Andrew Mitchell – dubbed "Thrasher" for being a tough prefect at his public school and a noted strong-armer of MPs in the Commons – seems alarmingly well-qualified on the first count.

The Guardian - Opinion

The prevalence of dyslipidemia as evidenced by low HDL-cholesterol and high triglyceride levels, however, remained alarmingly high, continuing to be the most common cardiovascular risk factor among Saudi adults.

Plosone

Alarmingly, melanoma is now the second most common cancer in the 15 34 years age group, emphasising the critical importance of early intervention to prevent premature loss of life.

British Journal of Cancer

This study revealed that the prevalence of syphilis/HCV infection is alarmingly high and unprotected commercial sex was common among drug users.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alarmingly common", ensure that the context clearly establishes what makes the situation alarming. Provide specific details or evidence to support the claim that the frequency is concerning.

Common error

Avoid using "alarmingly common" as a standalone statement. Always explain why the frequency is alarming. For example, instead of saying "Data breaches are alarmingly common", say "Data breaches are alarmingly common, leading to significant financial losses and reputational damage for companies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alarmingly common" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, emphasizing both the high frequency and the concerning nature of the described phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alarmingly common" is a valid and frequently used expression to describe situations or trends that occur often and are cause for concern. As Ludwig AI states, it is suitable for various contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and business communications. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, ensure the context supports the "alarming" aspect of the phrase by providing specific details. Alternatives such as "distressingly common" or "worryingly frequent" can be used to add subtle nuances to the description. The phrase's frequency is considered 'Common' and it's best to provide the reader the cause for alarm when using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shockingly common

Emphasizes the surprising and often disturbing nature of the frequency.

disturbingly common

Highlights the troubling or unsettling nature of the frequency.

distressingly common

Focuses on the negative impact or concern caused by the frequency.

dreadfully common

Highlights the unpleasant or undesirable nature of the frequency.

incredibly common

Highlights the high degree of frequency, possibly more than expected.

terribly common

Emphasizes the severity of the frequency.

surprisingly common

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the frequency.

astonishingly common

Stresses the amazement or disbelief at how frequent something is.

remarkably common

Focuses on how noteworthy or unusual the frequency is.

extremely common

Indicates a very high level of frequency without necessarily implying alarm.

FAQs

How can I use "alarmingly common" in a sentence?

Use "alarmingly common" to describe something that happens frequently and is a cause for concern. For instance, "The spread of misinformation online is becoming "alarmingly common", leading to widespread confusion and distrust".

What's a good alternative to "alarmingly common"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "distressingly common", "worryingly frequent", or "disturbingly prevalent".

Is it always appropriate to use "alarmingly common"?

No, it's most appropriate when the frequency of something is genuinely concerning or problematic. Ensure the context supports the alarming aspect. Using it for neutral or positive situations would be incorrect.

What makes "alarmingly common" different from just saying "very common"?

"Alarmingly common" implies that the frequency is not only high but also causes worry or concern. "Very common" simply indicates high frequency without the negative connotation. The phrase "alarmingly common" emphasizes the negative consequences or implications of the frequent occurrence.