be alert about

USAGE SUMMARY

"be alert about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to mean to be aware of a potential problem or danger. For example, "Be alert about the area when you go walking in the woods at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We noticed because we try to be alert about these things.

The Guardian

They need schedules too, and you should be alert about their friends and habits.

Forbes

"When you get into your neighborhood, be alert about cars that might be following you.

Los Angeles Times

Even in the absence of typical oral ulcers, skin rashes and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, clinicians should be alert about any flaccid paralysis episode and other neurological signs.

BMC Infectious Diseases

If you are swirling your soap then be alert about the thin soap trace.

WikiHow

Every person who has ever worked in certain fields that professionally render exploitation (such as modeling, entertainment, or film) should be alert about those factors in personal relationships also.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr. DiFulco said Port Authority police officers were alerted about 10 30 p.m. that three people had made their way into an area adjacent to an active runway.

The New York Times

Although customisation of alerts is not often possible in primary care pharmacy, ePMR users should be alerted about 'never events' involving medications and have the option to choose what they would like to be alerted about to prevent over-alerting and automatic behaviour towards alerts.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Join the CTL email list to be alerted about upcoming opportunities.

Columbia University

In any case, U.S. employers need to be alerted about a sudden drop in productivity that will occur at noon E.S.T. on Thursday, when the game kicks off.

The New Yorker

Registration is now full, but you can email [email protected] to be alerted about any open seats that do open up.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be alert about" when you want to emphasize awareness of potential risks or important information. For example, "Be alert about phishing emails".

Common error

Avoid using "be alert about" for situations requiring proactive action rather than passive awareness. For instance, instead of "Be alert about the fire", say "Evacuate immediately because of the fire".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be alert about" functions as an imperative, urging someone to maintain a state of awareness and vigilance regarding a specific matter. Ludwig AI confirms its use across various contexts, highlighting its role in conveying a need for attentiveness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be alert about" serves as a call for awareness and vigilance, often in the face of potential risks or significant information. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, although not excessively frequent. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news reporting to personal safety advice, with a neutral tone that makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. By understanding its proper usage and considering related phrases like "be aware of" or "pay attention to", you can effectively convey the need for attentiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aware of

A broader term suggesting general knowledge or consciousness of something.

be attentive to

Focuses more on paying close attention, implying active observation.

be watchful for

Emphasizes looking out for something specific, often a potential threat.

remain cautious about

Suggests maintaining a level of care and prudence.

be vigilant regarding

Suggests a more proactive and sustained state of alertness.

be on the lookout for

Emphasizes actively searching for something.

pay attention to

Highlights the act of focusing one's awareness.

stay informed on

Indicates an effort to keep up-to-date with relevant information.

keep an eye on

Implies monitoring something or someone closely.

be mindful of

Focuses on being conscious and aware of something, often in a thoughtful way.

FAQs

What does "be alert about" mean?

The phrase "be alert about" means to be aware and watchful, especially for potential dangers or problems.

How can I use "be alert about" in a sentence?

You can use "be alert about" to advise someone to pay attention to something important, like "Be alert about changes in the market".

What's a synonym for "be alert about"?

A synonym for "be alert about" is "be aware of", which also emphasizes being conscious and informed about something.

Is it better to say "be alert about" or "be alerted about"?

"Be alert about" means to actively watch out for something. "Be alerted about" means to receive a notification or warning. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.