alertness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alertness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being watchful or attentive, often in contexts related to safety, health, or mental acuity. Example: "The driver’s alertness was crucial in avoiding the accident on the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New technology includes blind-spot alerts, lane-departure steering-wheel vibrators, an alertness assessor, a rear camera, automatic headlight dipping and more.

Independent

Short naps have also been shown to be good for adults – improving alertness and reaction times.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm of an age to call someone roughly other like Giggs "pop", but he more or less inhabits some highly specified area that flickers in and around hip-hop and gangsta rap and the knotty domestic deviation, grime, that added certain ragged home truths and electronically quarried sonic grit to grabby, waggish hip-hop alertness.

The Guardian - Music

If you really want the state of relaxed, stress-free alertness that Allen calls "mind like water", though, scribbling the occasional list won't cut it.

The Guardian - Opinion

He believes that the electrical stimulation causes a region in the brain stem called the locus caeruleus (Latin, ironically, for "blue place") to flood the brain with norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter implicated in alertness, concentration and motivation that is, the mood states missing in depressed patients.

The Economist

The author names two fundamental characteristics of successful entrepreneurs: alertness to opportunities in the market; and the ability to amass the resources (human, capital and physical) to exploit such opportunities.

The Economist

Meanwhile, Targacept, a firm based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is looking at another group of nerve-cell proteins, the nicotinergic receptors, whose activation has been shown to increase alertness and may fend off cognitive decline.Another technology, known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), also holds out the promise of enhancement.

The Economist

Many sequences were associated with mental alertness, insulin regulation and DNA stability, confirming results from smaller studies and suggesting areas for life-prolonging research.The researchers also developed a statistical model to forecast longevity.

The Economist

While popping amphetamines might help with alertness, most passengers would probably just prefer the person at the helm to be well rested.

The Economist

Over time, suggests Mr Bueermann, a justified alertness to danger may have warped into a belief that the swift use of force is the only thing keeping cops safe.

The Economist

"We have got to understand that all our lives the danger, the uncertainty, the need for alertness, for effort, for discipline will be upon us . . .

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or feature designed to monitor a person's state, use "alertness monitoring" or "alertness detection" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "alertness" when you actually mean intelligence or cognitive ability. While alertness is a component of cognitive function, it doesn't encompass the full scope of intelligence. Use more appropriate terms like "cognitive skills" or "intellectual capacity" if that's what you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "alertness" is as a noun, representing a state or quality. It denotes the condition of being watchful and quick to notice and respond to potential dangers or opportunities. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alertness" functions as a noun denoting the quality of being watchful and responsive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly used across various domains, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, to describe states of heightened awareness. While interchangeable with terms like "vigilance" and "awareness" in certain contexts, it’s important to avoid misusing it as a direct substitute for general intelligence. Best practices include using "alertness monitoring" for describing systems designed to track a person's state of vigilance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vigilance

Focuses more on watchfulness and readiness to detect danger or something out of the ordinary.

awareness

Emphasizes knowledge and perception of surroundings or situations.

attentiveness

Highlights the act of paying close attention and being receptive to information.

watchfulness

Implies a state of being constantly observant and ready to respond.

readiness

Suggests a state of preparation and willingness to act.

sharpness

Indicates mental acuity and quickness of thought.

quick-wittedness

Focuses on the ability to think and react quickly and intelligently.

observance

Emphasizes the act of carefully watching and noticing details.

perception

Highlights the ability to understand and interpret sensory information.

heedfulness

Implies careful attention and consideration of potential consequences.

FAQs

How is "alertness" used in a sentence?

"Alertness" is used to describe the state of being watchful, attentive, and quick to perceive or react. For example, "The driver's "vigilance" prevented an accident".

What are synonyms for "alertness"?

Alternatives to "alertness" include "vigilance", "awareness", "attentiveness", and "readiness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "alertness" and "awareness"?

"Alertness" is the state of being vigilant and ready to react, while "awareness" is the perception and understanding of the surroundings. You can be aware without being particularly alert.

Is it correct to use "alertness" to describe a car safety feature?

Yes, "alertness" is often used to describe car safety features designed to monitor the driver's attentiveness and warn them if they show signs of drowsiness or inattention. For example, a driver "vigilance system".