be alarmed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be alarmed that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or surprise about a particular situation or fact. Example: "You should not be alarmed that the project deadline has been moved up; we have plenty of time to adjust our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

If you heard a jubilant howling around midday yesterday, do not be alarmed: that was me.

The New Yorker

By this I mean we were… If you heard a jubilant howling around midday yesterday, do not be alarmed: that was me.

The New Yorker

By Susan Orlean January 20 , 2011If you heard a jubilant howling around midday yesterday, do not be alarmed: that was me.

The New Yorker

As far as I can tell, the process now is more like this: If you heard a jubilant howling around midday yesterday, do not be alarmed: that was me.

The New Yorker

"They kept announcing to runners not to be alarmed, that they were running a training exercise".

The Guardian

"Should we be alarmed that she's an outlier for whom no obvious connection exists?" Dr. Smith asked.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

He was "alarmed" that family physicians received the largest number of payments.

The Washington Post

But she said it was alarming that children as young as 12 were among the victims of revenge porn.

The Guardian

She is alarmed that women aren't taking precautions.

The New Yorker

He is alarmed that he is so delighted by it.

The New Yorker

ITV was alarmed that it unwittingly rebroadcast the disputed report.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be alarmed that" when you want to express a sense of surprise or concern about a specific situation or fact, especially when it has negative implications. Ensure the context warrants a degree of urgency or seriousness.

Common error

Avoid using "be alarmed that" in situations that are only mildly concerning. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact, so reserve it for scenarios that genuinely warrant a heightened sense of alert.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be alarmed that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a clause expressing concern or apprehension. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this construction is used to signal a negative reaction to a specific situation or event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be alarmed that" is used to express concern or surprise regarding a specific fact or situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence in news and media contexts. While semantically related alternatives such as "be concerned that" and "be worried that" exist, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant a heightened sense of alert. While fairly uncommon, sources such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and The Guardian exemplify its appropriate use in conveying serious or concerning information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be concerned that

Replaces "alarmed" with a more general term for worry or concern.

be worried that

Similar to "be concerned that", indicating a state of worry.

be fearful that

Highlights the element of fear or apprehension.

find it alarming that

Shifts the focus to the act of finding something alarming, rather than a state of being.

it is alarming that

Impersonal construction emphasizing the alarming nature of the situation.

be apprehensive that

Expresses a feeling of anxiety or unease.

be dismayed that

Indicates disappointment and discouragement.

be disturbed that

Highlights the unsettling nature of the situation.

be troubled that

Suggests a state of worry and mental distress.

be anxious that

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety.

FAQs

What does "be alarmed that" mean?

The phrase "be alarmed that" indicates a feeling of concern, surprise, or worry about a particular situation or piece of information. It suggests that something is wrong or potentially dangerous, causing a state of alert.

When should I use "be alarmed that"?

Use "be alarmed that" when you want to express a heightened sense of concern or surprise, especially when the situation has negative implications or potential risks. It's appropriate for scenarios that genuinely warrant a degree of urgency or seriousness.

What are some alternatives to "be alarmed that"?

You can use alternatives like "be concerned that", "be worried that", or "find it alarming that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be alarmed that" formal or informal?

The phrase "be alarmed that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in news reporting and analytical writing.