alarmingly fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alarmingly fast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is happening at a speed that causes concern or surprise. Example: "The technology is advancing alarmingly fast, leaving many industries struggling to keep up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

That meant its losses ate into its capital alarmingly fast.

The Economist

"The speed can be alarmingly fast, " said Izura.

The Guardian

The mood in Turkey has soured alarmingly fast since the polls in June.

The Guardian

China's economy, once the fastest growing in the world, has slowed down alarmingly fast.

The New York Times

Even among the youngest children, those ages 2 to 5, the rate had risen alarmingly fast — tripling.

The Washington Post

In the next breath officials then add that lower interest rates would risk stoking up household-credit growth, which is already running alarmingly fast.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Barely a week after North Korea exploded the most powerful nuclear device it has ever tested, U.S. defense officials said the secretive country appears to be readying a tunnel for yet another, putting the country on an alarmingly fast-paced schedule to deploy nuclear warheads.

Los Angeles Times

The timescale is alarmingly tight.

The Guardian

And this time her message is alarmingly dire: science is fast acquiring dangerous and godlike powers.

The New York Times

The maple bacon doughnut, a local favorite that sells out fast, is alarmingly literal.

The New York Times - Travel

After friendly preliminaries I found myself stretching my arm out and trying not to concentrate too hard on the fast approaching alarmingly large needle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alarmingly fast" to describe situations where the speed of an event or change is causing concern or posing a threat. For example, "The spread of misinformation online is happening alarmingly fast."

Common error

While "alarmingly fast" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid using it too frequently in the same piece of writing. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alarmingly fast" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "fast". It describes the manner in which something is happening, emphasizing the speed and adding a layer of concern or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

21%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alarmingly fast" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something happening at a concerning pace. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it conveys a sense of worry about the speed of an event or change. While alternatives like "worryingly rapid" or "disturbingly quick" can be used, "alarmingly fast" remains a clear and effective way to express unease about rapid developments. Remember to avoid overuse and consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worryingly rapid

Replaces "alarmingly" with "worryingly" and "fast" with "rapid", maintaining the core meaning of concerning speed.

disturbingly quick

Substitutes "alarmingly" with "disturbingly" and "fast" with "quick", suggesting a troubling pace.

frighteningly swift

Replaces "alarmingly" with "frighteningly" and "fast" with "swift", emphasizing the fear-inducing nature of the speed.

surprisingly rapid

Uses "surprisingly" instead of "alarmingly", focusing on the unexpected nature of the speed.

unexpectedly swift

Combines "unexpectedly" and "swift" to highlight the unanticipated speed.

at an alarming rate

Rephrases the expression to emphasize the rate at which something is happening, rather than the speed itself.

at a disturbing pace

Similar to "at an alarming rate", but uses "disturbing" to convey concern.

with unsettling speed

Emphasizes the unsettling nature of the speed, rather than the alarm.

with worrying rapidity

Combines "worrying" and "rapidity" to highlight the concerning and rapid nature of the speed.

at a breakneck pace

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey extremely high speed, with a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

Use "alarmingly fast" to describe something happening at a rate that causes concern. For example, "The ice caps are melting "alarmingly fast" due to global warming."

What are some alternatives to "alarmingly fast"?

You can use alternatives like "worryingly rapid", "disturbingly quick", or "frighteningly swift" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it always negative to describe something as "alarmingly fast"?

Yes, the phrase "alarmingly fast" carries a negative connotation. It suggests that the speed is not just quick but also concerning or threatening. If you want to describe something as simply very fast without the negative implication, consider using terms like "rapid", "swift", or "quick".

Can I use "alarmingly fast" to describe progress?

While you can use "alarmingly fast" to describe progress, it's important to consider the context. It's usually used when the progress is so rapid that it's causing unforeseen problems or ethical concerns. For example, "AI technology is advancing "alarmingly fast", raising questions about job displacement and algorithmic bias."