alert them to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alert them to" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe informing someone of something, for example: I alerted them to the possibility of a delay in the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their mathematical models failed to alert them to potential perils.

The New Yorker

Then, contact the sender to alert them to the issue with the file.

Cornell University

I called colleagues to alert them to the potential anger, but was rebuffed.

The New York Times

LIKE many doctors, Shri Kulkarni and Kris Stanek carry pagers to alert them to emergencies.

The Economist

To support their experts, attorneys must be able to alert them to major issues of controversy.

Harvard University

Cultivate family practices that widen kids' sense of gender roles and alert them to bias.

The Washington Post

Then Brooks said she rang the palace to alert them to the investigation.

The Guardian

It fell to me to alert them to the potential consequences.

The New York Times

Eurostar said it was contacting affected passengers to alert them to the disruption to services.

The Guardian

Before recruiting any more girls, would you want to alert them to this fact?

The New York Times

Mr. Berger telephoned several Congressional leaders late Thursday to alert them to Mr. Clinton's decision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alert them to", ensure the information is relevant and timely. Overusing it for trivial matters can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "alert". The correct form is "alert them to [something]", not "alert them of" or "alert them about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alert them to" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of making someone aware of something, often a potential issue or piece of information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is common in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alert them to" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, serving to make someone aware of a particular piece of information or potential issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase adheres to standard grammatical conventions. Its widespread use across various domains, including news, academia, and general communication, underscores its relevance and adaptability. When employing this phrase, be mindful of its informative purpose and ensure the subsequent information is both timely and relevant. Avoid overuse, which can diminish its impact, and be sure to use the correct preposition, "to", rather than "of" or "about". Common alternatives include "notify them of" and "inform them about", which may be more suitable in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notify them of

Emphasizes a more formal or official communication.

inform them about

A general and neutral alternative with broad applicability.

make them aware of

Focuses on bringing something to their consciousness.

advise them of

Suggests providing counsel or guidance along with information.

warn them about

Specifically highlights a potential danger or problem.

apprise them of

A more formal and less common synonym for informing.

give them notice of

Implies a formal or legal notification.

tip them off about

Suggests providing confidential or inside information.

let them know about

An informal way to communicate information.

update them on

Indicates providing new or current information.

FAQs

How to use "alert them to" in a sentence?

Use "alert them to" when you want to make someone aware of a specific issue or piece of information. For example, "I had to alert them to the potential consequences".

What can I say instead of "alert them to"?

You can use alternatives like "notify them of", "inform them about", or "make them aware of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "alert them to" or "alert them of"?

"Alert them to" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. While "alert them of" might be encountered, it's less standard. It's best to stick with "alert them to".

What's the difference between "alert them to" and "warn them about"?

"Alert them to" is a general way of making someone aware, while "warn them about" specifically highlights a potential danger or problem. Use "warn" when there's a risk involved.