be alarmed at the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be alarmed at the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or surprise about a particular situation or event. Example: "You shouldn't be alarmed at the sudden changes in the weather; it's just a typical spring storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

So the Greeks must be alarmed at the many empty seats during the games.

The Guardian - Business

Brains that, for instance, won't be alarmed at the looming threat that Santa might be devoured by a vicious predator.

The New York Times - Arts

But you would still be alarmed at the state of housing markets, the prospects for consumer spending and the trend in forecasts of economic growth.

The Economist

I doubt the Archbishop of Canterbury or Lord Phillips, the current president of the supreme court, would be alarmed at the prospect.

The Guardian

Environmentalists may be alarmed at the notion of the dirty, noisy vehicle being taken up by large numbers of people in developing countries.

The Guardian

Like many civil servants, he is thought to be alarmed at the extent to which the talks process has become politicised.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Canadian business is alarmed at the deepening chill.

The Economist

Montag said he was alarmed at the discovery.

The Guardian

"I'm alarmed at the government's complacency.

The Guardian

The military, the KGB, and conservative communists were alarmed at the turn of events.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Exporting countries are alarmed at the environmental consequences of massive dredging.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be alarmed at the", ensure that the reason for alarm is clearly stated to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be alarmed at the" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely cause significant concern or fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be alarmed at the" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of concern or worry in response to a particular situation or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of apprehension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be alarmed at the" is a versatile expression used to convey concern or worry, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Appearing predominantly in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a range of discussions. Alternatives like "be concerned about the" and "be worried about the" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Remember to reserve "be alarmed at the" for situations that warrant genuine concern to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be concerned about the

Focuses on a general feeling of worry or interest in something.

be worried about the

Emphasizes a state of anxiety or unease regarding something.

be anxious about the

Highlights a state of nervousness or agitation.

be apprehensive about the

Suggests a feeling of fear or dread about a future event.

be disturbed by the

Indicates a feeling of unease or upset caused by something.

be troubled by the

Implies a state of worry or concern that is causing difficulty.

be uneasy about the

Indicates a lack of comfort or security regarding something.

be concerned with the

Emphasizes involvement or preoccupation with something.

be agitated by the

Highlights a state of excitement or disturbance.

take fright at the

Highlights the sudden surprise and fright.

FAQs

How can I use "be alarmed at the" in a sentence?

Use "be alarmed at the" to express worry or concern about something. For example, "Many people "are alarmed at the" increasing levels of pollution".

What's a less intense alternative to "be alarmed at the"?

If you want to express mild concern, you could use phrases like "be concerned about the" or "be worried about the".

Is it correct to say "being alarmed at the"?

While grammatically possible, "being alarmed at the" is less common. It usually appears in more complex sentence structures, such as "Being alarmed at the news, she immediately called her family".

What is the difference between "be alarmed at the" and "be surprised by the"?

"Be alarmed at the" implies a sense of fear or worry, whereas "be surprised by the" simply indicates a feeling of astonishment or unexpectedness. You might "be alarmed at the" rise in crime rates, but "be surprised by the" unexpected gift.