an alarming day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an alarming day" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a day that was filled with distressing or concerning events. Example: "Yesterday was an alarming day, with multiple reports of severe weather and accidents across the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

After an alarming day yesterday, the situation in Portugal appears to be easing.

The Guardian - Business

"It's an alarming day for the European economy because the presidency of Donald Trump has caused uncertainty," Fratzscher told Reuters TV.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was more keen to contemplate the behavior of a teacher at his older daughter's school, who, on her first alarming day in class, had said how pleased he was to see a hijab in the room, and noted that it gave her great character.

The New Yorker

Italy, the most vulnerable state in the euro zone, has a mountain of debt to refinance, and its short-term borrowing rate hit an alarming 8 percent Friday.

The New York Times

BOSTON — The suicide of the former Chicago Bears star Dave Duerson became more alarming Monday, when Boston University researchers announced that his brain had developed the same trauma-induced disease recently found in more than 20 deceased players.

The New York Times - Sports

In an alarming study released Monday, researchers at the University of California at Santa Barbara found that, on average, synthetic fleece jackets release 1.7 grams of microfibers each wash.

The Guardian

KABUL, Afghanistan — A tense visit to Afghanistan by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta got off to an alarming start on Wednesday when a stolen pickup truck sped onto a ramp alongside a runway at a British military airfield and crashed into a ditch as Mr. Panetta's plane was landing.

The New York Times

Arriving catatonically knackered, barely able to utter a syllable, I was in terror at the sight of the programme: dawn runs, at least five hours' cardio a day, an alarming amount of "burpees" (squat thrusts).

The Guardian - Travel

There was an alarming end to the first day's racing here for John McCririck, the betting pundit familiar to millions for his decades of work with Channel 4, who was taken to hospital after falling ill.

The Guardian - Sport

And in early August, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York released a devastating report in which it criticized jail officials for using solitary "to manage and control disruptive adolescents" by locking them in cells for twenty-three hours a day, "at an alarming rate and for excessive periods of time".

The New Yorker

It is a constant stream of anxiety pumped directly into your eyeballs nearly all hours of the day and an alarming number of human beings need it to do their jobs.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an alarming day" when you want to emphasize a single day marked by unsettling or worrying events. It's more impactful than simply saying "a bad day."

Common error

Avoid using "an alarming day" to describe minor inconveniences. This phrase carries a significant weight and should be reserved for situations that genuinely evoke concern or fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an alarming day" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "alarming" attributes a quality of causing anxiety or fear to the noun "day". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammar.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an alarming day" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a day filled with concerning or distressing events. While relatively rare in overall usage, it effectively conveys a sense of unease or impending danger, particularly in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "a worrying day" or "a disturbing day" can be used to soften the intensity. Ludwig AI confirms this analysis, highlighting the phrase's validity and appropriate usage in describing serious situations. Remember to reserve this phrase for events that genuinely warrant concern to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worrying day

Replaces "alarming" with "worrying", softening the intensity of the concern.

a disturbing day

Substitutes "alarming" with "disturbing", highlighting the unsettling nature of the events.

a dreadful day

Emphasizes the unpleasantness and potential negativity of the day's events.

an ominous day

Suggests a sense of foreboding or impending danger.

a frightening day

Highlights the fear-inducing aspect of the day.

a day of concern

Shifts the focus to the feeling of worry rather than the alarming nature.

a tense day

Focuses on the heightened stress and anxiety experienced.

a day filled with anxiety

Directly states the presence of anxiety as the defining characteristic.

a day of unease

Emphasizes a feeling of discomfort and apprehension.

a day of disquiet

Highlights a state of worry and lack of peace.

FAQs

How can I use "an alarming day" in a sentence?

"An alarming day" is used to describe a day characterized by disturbing or worrying events. For example: "Yesterday was "an alarming day", with multiple reports of severe weather." It often implies a sense of unease or impending danger.

What are some alternatives to "an alarming day"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "a worrying day", "a disturbing day", or "a tense day".

Is it appropriate to use "an alarming day" in formal writing?

Yes, "an alarming day" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical pieces, where it accurately reflects the severity of the events. However, be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What makes a day "alarming"?

A day becomes "alarming" when it is filled with events that cause significant worry, fear, or a sense of impending danger. These events can range from natural disasters to economic crises or social unrest.