an alarming quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an alarming quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concerning or excessive amount of something, often in a negative context. Example: "The report revealed an alarming quantity of waste being produced by the factory, raising serious environmental concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

My friend's taste in recreational drug abuse vastly exceeded my own, and this extra sweetener turned out to be an alarming quantity of cocaine, a substance with which I had one prior and unexpectedly amiable experience, though I had not seen a frangible white nugget of the stuff since.

The Guardian

Recent photos show that salvage logging has been taking place at the El Rosario site, where an alarming quantity of wood has been removed, with all the destructive impacts this process implies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Although corrupt practices are becoming public in this alarming quantity because the state is reforming itself, the impression people have is exactly the opposite, of degeneracy," the president of Brazil, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, said in a newspaper interview.

The New York Times

Whatever the outcome of the inquest, which threatens to use up alarming quantities of public money for what is basically an inquiry into a road traffic accident, these intimate glimpses of the princess have turned millions of people into riveted spectators of the final act of her tragedy.

The Guardian - Opinion

To a contemporary viewer, this scene imports exoticism and sensuality in mildly alarming quantities.

The New York Times - Arts

E. coli, carcinogens, and bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease were also found in alarming quantities.

The New Yorker

The fast-growing mountain of waste also contains alarming quantities of toxins, including 4,400 tons of ozone-depleting chemicals and 2.2 megatons of lead glass weighing more than the equivalent of the Empire State Building.

Independent

Greek depositors have already begun pulling their euros out of Greek banks in alarming quantities, with about $3.4 billion worth withdrawn this week, the Greek news site ekathimerini.com reported.

Los Angeles Times

The total quantity of digital information in the world is growing at an alarming rate.

Advances in Computers

That is an alarming prospect.

The Economist

It was an alarming experience.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an alarming quantity", ensure the context clearly explains why the quantity is alarming. Provide specific details to support the concern, such as potential negative consequences or comparisons to expected values.

Common error

Avoid using "an alarming quantity" without specifying the potential negative impact or reason for concern. Be explicit about why the amount is alarming to ensure clarity and impact. Without proper context, the phrase can lose its impact and seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an alarming quantity" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "alarming" modifies the noun "quantity". It describes an amount that is perceived as worryingly large or excessive. Ludwig indicates that it is generally deemed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an alarming quantity" is used to describe a concerning or excessively large amount of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for use. It is most frequently found in news and science contexts, where it serves to highlight issues that require attention due to their potentially negative impacts. When using this phrase, ensure that the reason for the alarm is clearly stated to avoid vagueness and maximize impact. Consider alternatives such as "a disturbing amount" or "a worrisome volume" to fine-tune the specific nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disturbing amount

Substitutes "alarming" with "disturbing", maintaining the sense of concern but with a slightly different emotional tone.

a worrisome volume

Replaces both "alarming" and "quantity" with synonyms that convey a similar sense of unease about the amount.

a frightening number

Uses "frightening" instead of "alarming" to emphasize the fear-inducing aspect of the quantity.

an unsettling proportion

Shifts the focus to proportion rather than raw quantity, suggesting the amount is disproportionately large.

a shocking degree

Emphasizes the unexpectedness and impact of the quantity.

a significant excess

Highlights the surplus nature of the quantity, suggesting it is more than what is needed or acceptable.

a considerable surplus

Similar to 'significant excess' but with a stronger connotation of being beyond a required amount.

a troubling magnitude

Replaces "quantity" with "magnitude" to emphasize the scale or importance of the amount.

a perilous sum

Introduces a sense of danger or risk associated with the quantity.

an extreme level

Focuses on the intensity or degree of the amount, suggesting it is far beyond the norm.

FAQs

How to use "an alarming quantity" in a sentence?

Use "an alarming quantity" to describe an amount or number that is surprisingly large and causes concern. For example: "The report revealed "an alarming quantity" of pollutants in the river.".

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

Alternatives to "an alarming quantity" include "a disturbing amount", "a worrisome volume", or "a frightening number", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "an alarming quantity"?

Yes, "an alarming quantity" typically carries a negative connotation, implying that the amount is excessive and cause for concern. It's usually used in contexts where the quantity poses a potential threat or problem.

What's the difference between "an alarming quantity" and "a significant amount"?

"A significant amount" simply indicates that something is substantial or noteworthy, while ""an alarming quantity"" suggests that the amount is not only large but also causes concern or worry. The latter has a more negative implication.