as alarming as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as alarming as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of alarm or concern between two subjects or situations. Example: "The news of the impending storm was as alarming as the reports of rising sea levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The error rate may not be as alarming as it seems, Dr. Rhyne said.

The New York Times

The stormy landscapes of the countryside he loves can be as alarming as battle scenes.

The Economist

And entering the Müritzsee was as alarming as Magellan's first gawp at the Pacific.

Independent

Small acts of inexplicable generosity can be as alarming as they are charming.

The Guardian - Books

This was as alarming as it was puzzling, like a crossword attached to a bomb.

The Guardian - Opinion

The escalation of kindness and grace was almost as alarming as the vile taste on show at the taxidermist's.

The New York Times

As alarming as that was, though, the sight of Rose limping off sent a real shiver through Chicago.

The New York Times - Sports

The list of reasons — sexual entitlement, alcohol, fun, anger and punishment — were just as alarming as the statistics.

The New York Times

That vertiginous equation was as alarming as it was befuddling to an audience quite content with batting average, thank you.

The New York Times - Sports

As alarming as that story is, a new congressional investigation into Facebook for those editorial choices is arguably worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just as alarming as absent fathers is the fact that only two out of three young American women are likely to have children at all.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as alarming as" to directly compare two situations or pieces of information that evoke a similar level of concern or fear. This helps to create a clear and impactful comparison for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "as alarming as" when the situations being compared are not truly comparable in terms of their potential negative impact. Exaggerating minor issues can dilute the impact when discussing genuinely alarming events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as alarming as" functions as a comparative expression, used to equate the level of alarm or concern between two different subjects. This construction serves to emphasize that both subjects provoke a similar degree of worry or fear. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as alarming as" is a frequently used comparative phrase that effectively conveys a similar level of concern between two subjects. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts, especially in news and media. When using "as alarming as", ensure that the comparison is accurate and proportional to maintain credibility and avoid overstatement. When you need to avoid repetitions, remember that there are many equally worrying alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as worrisome

A simpler substitution for "alarming" using "worrisome" in a direct comparison.

equally worrying

Replaces "alarming" with "worrying" while maintaining the comparison of equal concern.

just as concerning

Substitutes "alarming" with "concerning", emphasizing the level of concern is equivalent.

similarly disturbing

Replaces "alarming" with "disturbing", highlighting the parallel in causing unease.

no less unsettling

Emphasizes the equal impact in causing disturbance, using a slightly more formal tone.

comparably frightening

Replaces "alarming" with "frightening", focusing on the fear induced being equal.

just as frightening

Replaces "alarming" with "frightening" and is a direct comparison of fear.

similarly disquieting

Substitutes "alarming" with "disquieting", focusing on causing anxiety and unease.

equally dreadful

Substitutes "alarming" with "dreadful", increasing the intensity of the negative emotion conveyed.

no less perturbing

Emphasizes that the level of disturbance is equivalent, using a more formal synonym.

FAQs

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

Use "as alarming as" to compare two equally concerning situations. For example, "The spread of misinformation online is "as alarming as" the rise in cybercrime".

What are some alternatives to using "as alarming as"?

You can use phrases like "equally worrying", "just as concerning", or "similarly disturbing" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "as alarming as" when comparing concerning situations?

No, you can also use more direct comparisons or descriptive language to convey the level of concern without using "as alarming as". The choice depends on the desired tone and impact.

Which is more appropriate, "as alarming as" or "more alarming than"?

"As alarming as" suggests equal levels of concern, while "more alarming than" indicates one situation is of greater concern than the other. Choose based on the accurate comparison of the two situations.