an alarming time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an alarming time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by distressing or concerning events or situations. Example: "The world is facing an alarming time with rising tensions and environmental crises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We meet at an alarming time for the global economy.

The Guardian - Business

The news comes at an alarming time for commercial property developers across the world.

Independent

They went on for an alarming time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And it couldn't come at a much more alarming time.

The New Yorker

Time after alarming time Arsenal lost the ball and found Gabriel Agbonlahor sprinting at them in threatening fashion.

Independent

Foreign investors and big businesses that mostly serve English customers could well move south.Westminster has ruled out a currency union (see article)—correctly, given that the nationalists propose a deficit-widening fiscal splurge and that the assets of Scottish banks are an alarming 12 times the country's GDP.

The Economist

Zenefits, which to the casual observer seemingly be spending an alarming amount of time developing a way to request and monitor time-off requests from a phone, actually sees that as a critical part of their business.

TechCrunch

THESE are alarming times for the BBC.

The Economist

These are alarming times in the Middle East.

The Guardian

It's easy to forget that we live in alarming times when you can just switch the channel to "Vanderpump Rules".

The New Yorker

I wanted so badly to go to a particular kind of artsy college and mix with a particular kind of artsy crowd that I wasted an alarming amount of time during my senior year of high school throwing trash into various wastebaskets from across the room, saying, "If I make this shot, I get into Vassar".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an alarming time", ensure that the context clearly explains what makes the time alarming to provide clarity and impact for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an alarming time" as a standalone phrase without specifying the reasons for the alarm. Always provide context to enhance the phrase's impact and avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an alarming time" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or clause to indicate a period characterized by concern or danger. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in contexts ranging from economic crises to environmental threats.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an alarming time" is a phrase used to describe a period characterized by significant concern or potential danger. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, and related contexts include "a worrying period" or "a concerning era". When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific context to clarify the reasons for the alarm and enhance its impact. Be careful to not overuse "alarming" without specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worrying period

Replaces "alarming" with "worrying" and "time" with "period", softening the intensity slightly.

a concerning era

Substitutes "alarming" with "concerning" and "time" with "era", suggesting a broader, more historical perspective.

a critical juncture

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal term suggesting a decisive and potentially dangerous point in time.

a precarious moment

Emphasizes the instability and risk associated with the time, using stronger descriptive words.

a grave situation

Focuses on the seriousness of the circumstances rather than the temporal aspect.

a dangerous phase

Highlights the potential for harm or negative outcomes during this period.

a troubling state of affairs

Shifts the focus to the conditions or circumstances that are causing concern.

a dire epoch

Uses more dramatic and weighty language to describe the severity of the time.

a frightful occasion

Emphasizes the feeling of fear or dread associated with the events occurring.

a stressful moment

Highlights the emotional impact and pressure felt during this time.

FAQs

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

You can use "an alarming time" to describe a period marked by significant concerns or threats. For example, "We are entering "an alarming time" for global security with increasing cyberattacks".

What are some alternatives to saying "an alarming time"?

Alternatives include "a worrying period", "a concerning era", or "a critical juncture", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "alarming time" or "alarming period"?

Both "alarming time" and "alarming period" are grammatically correct. "Time" typically refers to a specific moment or duration, while "period" suggests a more extended duration or phase. The choice depends on the specific context.

What makes "an alarming time" different from "a challenging time"?

"An alarming time" suggests a situation with potential danger or threat, whereas "a challenging time" implies difficulties that require effort to overcome without necessarily involving danger. The former evokes a sense of urgency and fear, while the latter suggests resilience and problem-solving.