are alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are alarming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes concern or fear, often in relation to news, statistics, or situations that are troubling. Example: "The recent increase in pollution levels are alarming and require immediate action from the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The statistics are alarming.

Independent

The raw data are alarming.

The Economist

The parallels are alarming.

The Guardian - Opinion

The numbers are alarming.

The Guardian - Business

The trends are alarming.

The Washington Post

"These figures are alarming.

The Guardian

But the statistics are alarming.

The Guardian - Business

The new recommendations are alarming.

The New York Times

"Studies showing long-term issues are alarming.

The New York Times

The numbers are alarming for two reasons.

The New York Times

The implications for the future are alarming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are alarming", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is causing the alarm. Provide specific details to enhance the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are alarming" as a generic descriptor. Always provide context to clarify what specifically is alarming and why, to avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are alarming" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (usually plural) to indicate that something is causing significant concern or fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are alarming" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey concern about situations, statistics, or trends. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is valid and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. While alternatives like "are worrying" or "are concerning" exist, "are alarming" emphasizes a higher degree of worry. To maximize impact, ensure you provide clear context and specific details about what is causing the alarm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are worrying

This alternative is a more general term for causing concern.

are concerning

This alternative is a common synonym for "are alarming", suggesting a level of unease.

are frightening

This alternative emphasizes the fear-inducing aspect of the situation.

are disturbing

This alternative suggests that something is disrupting or unsettling.

are disquieting

This alternative implies a loss of peace or tranquility.

are troubling

This alternative suggests problems or difficulties are being created.

are horrifying

This alternative emphasizes the shocking or appalling nature of the situation.

are appalling

This alternative suggests that something is shockingly bad or of very poor quality.

are terrifying

This alternative emphasizes a strong feeling of fear or dread.

are ominous

This alternative suggests that something bad is going to happen in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "are alarming" in a sentence?

Use "are alarming" to describe statistics, trends, or situations that cause concern. For example, "The rising unemployment rates are alarming."

What are some alternatives to "are alarming"?

You can use alternatives like "are worrying", "are concerning", or "are frightening" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is alarming" instead of "are alarming"?

No, the verb form must agree with the subject. Use "is alarming" for singular subjects (e.g., "The trend is alarming") and "are alarming" for plural subjects (e.g., "The statistics are alarming").

What's the difference between "are alarming" and "are concerning"?

"Are alarming" suggests a higher degree of worry or fear compared to "are concerning". While both indicate concern, "are alarming" implies a greater potential for negative consequences.