an emergency arises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an emergency arises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when something unexpected and difficult to deal with occurs. Example: "If an emergency arises, you can contact the fire department for assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Your first step is to consult with your department if an emergency arises.

University of California, Berkeley

If an emergency arises that conflicts with the exam times, email the Head TA as soon as possible.

University of California, Berkeley

The information from the camera network could be used to send alerts to a healthcare facility when an emergency arises.

University of California, Berkeley

Few people want to think about the issue until an emergency arises, and many men and women shoulder the burden silently.

The New York Times

When such an emergency arises, several departments, including the department of defense, are authorized to conduct such domestic operations without presidential approval.

The Guardian

If an emergency arises less than 24 hours before your appointment, you should immediately contact the writing consultant you scheduled with.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Leave this with your family and business colleagues; it could come in handy should an emergency arise.

The New York Times

My mother worked part-time in the evenings, so she was home during the day, in case an emergency arose.

The New York Times

In Brussels, Romano Prodi, the outgoing commission president, said he and his team were prepared to carry on in a caretaker capacity if an emergency arose.

The Guardian

Do you have friends or family that can drive you to the grocery store or the clinic should an emergency arise?

The New York Times

One person was on call for an eight-hour shift, with responsibility for acting as a liaison with police and fire commanders if an emergency arose in the subway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an emergency arises", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes an emergency in that specific situation. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid overusing "an emergency arises" in highly formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "should a crisis occur" or "in the event of unforeseen circumstances" to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an emergency arises" functions as an introductory clause or a conditional phrase, often setting the stage for subsequent actions or procedures. Ludwig shows this phrase being used in both academic and informal contexts to introduce a potential crisis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an emergency arises" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a potential crisis or outline a plan of action in case of an unexpected event. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general instructions. While it maintains a neutral register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in specific professional settings. Its high frequency and clear communicative purpose, as validated by Ludwig, make it a valuable phrase for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if a crisis occurs

Replaces "emergency" with "crisis" and uses "occurs" instead of "arises", emphasizing the event itself.

when a problem surfaces

Substitutes "emergency" with "problem" and "arises" with "surfaces", indicating an issue becoming apparent.

if an urgent situation develops

Uses "urgent situation" in place of "emergency" and "develops" for "arises", highlighting the gradual unfolding of a critical event.

should a difficulty emerge

Replaces "emergency" with "difficulty" and "arises" with "emerge", focusing on the appearance of a challenging situation.

when a contingency happens

Replaces "emergency" with "contingency" and "arises" with "happens", indicating an unplanned event taking place.

if an unexpected event unfolds

Uses "unexpected event" instead of "emergency" and "unfolds" for "arises", stressing the unforeseen nature and progression of the situation.

when something critical comes up

Replaces "emergency" with "something critical" and "arises" with the phrasal verb "comes up", focusing on the pressing nature of the issue.

if a pressing matter unfolds

Employs "pressing matter" for "emergency" and "unfolds" for "arises", highlighting the urgent development of a significant issue.

when a complication ensues

Substitutes "emergency" with "complication" and "arises" with "ensues", indicating that a difficult situation follows.

should a predicament materialize

Uses "predicament" in place of "emergency" and "materialize" for "arises", stressing the tangible appearance of a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an emergency arises" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "should a critical situation develop", "in the event of an unforeseen crisis", or "should a contingency "materialize"".

What's a simpler way to say "an emergency arises"?

Simpler alternatives include "if something goes wrong", "if there's a problem", or "when trouble "happens"".

Is it always necessary to specify what kind of emergency when I say "an emergency arises"?

While not always required, providing context about what constitutes an emergency can improve clarity, especially if the audience may have different interpretations. You could say "if a medical emergency arises" or "should a security emergency "arise"".

How does "an emergency arises" differ from "an emergency exists"?

"An emergency exists" implies a current state of crisis, while "an emergency arises" suggests a potential or future crisis that may occur. The former describes a present situation, and the latter anticipates a possible one.