an alarming development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an alarming development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is concerning or troubling. Example: "The recent spike in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure is an alarming development that requires immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The Wagnerians were taking Wagner more seriously than he took himself — an alarming development.

The New Yorker

Commission President Matt Johnson said LAPD officers have opened fire 45 times this year, compared with 23 instances during the same period in 2014, a trend he called an "alarming development".

Los Angeles Times

Because the specific types and amounts of agricultural inputs are locally variable with potential impact on distinct people, the few studies identified in this review hardly qualify for regional generalization but rather for raising additional attention to an alarming development.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

But to see this prized arm go down so early in his Yankee career is an alarming development, especially given the team's recent track record of failing to develop young pitchers.

The New Yorker

This isn't necessarily an alarming development.

The Guardian

The two suicide car bombs in Damascus on 10 May were an alarming development.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

This time it was Arrieta's turn, perhaps a more alarming development considering the Pirates will spend a large portion of the next decade trying to keep up with Schwarber, Bryant and Russell as well as the Cardinals in the hyper-competitive NL Central.

The Guardian - Sport

In the latest alarming development, the court has rejected a petition of recusal against its own chairman, who in 1993 was involved in a contentious enquiry into Jamaat's alleged liability for atrocities.

The New York Times

Constantino et al. (23) should serve not only as an alarm bell for the development of appropriate management strategies for young-onset type 2 diabetes but also especially given the disappointing results of the TODAY study (22) of management of adolescent type 2 diabetes a call to further our prevention efforts in terms of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance in general.

Diabetes Care

With increased infestation rates in mind [5], our findings have important implications for the development of an alarm pheromone-based pest control method that could target both species of bed bug.

Plosone

The move was intended to prevent funding of terrorist groups operating in east Africa, but has sparked alarm among development experts by also cutting off an estimated $215m in annual remittances to Somali families from their relatives in the US.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an alarming development" to introduce a problem or situation that warrants immediate attention or further investigation. It's effective for setting a serious tone.

Common error

Avoid using "an alarming development" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly unpleasant. Its strong connotation is best reserved for genuinely serious issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an alarming development" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in introducing a concerning situation or trend.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an alarming development" is a commonly used phrase to highlight a worrying situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral, it's best reserved for genuinely concerning issues, as overuse in casual contexts can diminish its impact. Alternatives such as "a worrying trend" or "a cause for concern" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. This phrase serves to alert readers and listeners to potentially negative consequences, prompting further scrutiny and action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worrying trend

Focuses on the pattern or direction of change, rather than a specific event.

a cause for concern

Highlights the reason for anxiety or unease.

a disturbing sign

Emphasizes the negative implications of an observed indicator.

a troubling situation

Broadly refers to a problematic or difficult state of affairs.

a serious matter

Highlights the gravity and importance of the issue.

a grave concern

Uses more formal and serious language to describe a worry.

a critical issue

Highlights the importance and urgency of addressing the problem.

a negative development

Directly states the adverse nature of the change.

an unfortunate turn of events

Emphasizes the unlucky or regrettable nature of the unfolding situation.

a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential danger of the circumstances.

FAQs

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

Use "an alarming development" to highlight a concerning situation that requires attention. For example, "The increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria is "an alarming development" for public health".

What can I say instead of "an alarming development"?

You can use alternatives like "a worrying trend", "a cause for concern", or "a disturbing sign" depending on the specific context.

Is "an alarming development" formal or informal?

"An alarming development" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for news reports, academic papers, and professional communication. It might be too strong for casual conversation.

What makes something "an alarming development"?

A situation qualifies as ""an alarming development"" when it signifies a negative change or trend with potentially serious consequences. It suggests a need for concern and possibly intervention.