be alert to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be alert to the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to pay attention to something specific or to be aware of potential issues or changes. Example: "As a driver, it's important to be alert to the road conditions and any obstacles that may arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conclusion clinicians should be alert to the possibility of this injury.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

He urged anyone booking an event to be alert to the surroundings.

The New York Times

Stations say they try to be alert to the needs of their regular customers.

The New York Times

He urged parents and A&E doctors to be alert to the risk.

Independent

We want to encourage players and medical staffs to be alert to the issue.

The New York Times - Sports

The report asks Congress to be alert to the possibility of new parks.

The New York Times

Be alert to the small, thoughtful acts of others and express your appreciation for them.

The Guardian

'Wherever he was he would be alert to the smallest flaw.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Finally, I would challenge you to be alert to the Neil MacKennas in your life.

Harvard Business Review

But they need to be alert to the following four signposts.

Harvard Business Review

We should be alert to the potential health costs of self-control found among low-income, African-American youth.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be alert to the", specify the exact subject of attention to provide clear guidance and context.

Common error

Avoid using "be alert to the" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, use active voice to emphasize agency and clarity. For example, prefer "Inspectors should be alert to safety violations" over "Safety violations should be something inspectors are alert to."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be alert to the" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to maintain awareness or vigilance towards a specific issue or potential risk. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from medical advice to general safety guidelines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

10%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be alert to the" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to advise vigilance and awareness across various contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use, highlighting its presence in news, science, academia and beyond. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the subject requiring attention. Consider "be attentive to the" or "be aware of the" as potential alternatives to tailor your message precisely. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the need for vigilance and promote informed decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be attentive to the

Focuses more on active listening and observation.

be aware of the

Emphasizes knowledge and understanding of a situation.

pay attention to the

Suggests directing one's focus specifically to something.

keep an eye on the

Implies watching something closely for changes or problems.

watch out for the

Warns about potential dangers or difficulties.

be mindful of the

Highlights the importance of being conscious and thoughtful.

take note of the

Indicates the importance of remembering or recording something.

be conscious of the

Highlights the awareness of a fact or situation.

bear in mind the

Suggests keeping something in one's thoughts for future reference.

remain vigilant about the

Emphasizes the need for constant watchfulness and preparedness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be alert to the" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can replace "be alert to the" with options like "be attentive to the" or "be mindful of the", which convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is "be alert to the" suitable for all types of writing?

While "be alert to the" is generally acceptable, its suitability depends on the context. For informal writing, it works well. However, for very formal or academic writing, more precise alternatives such as "be aware of the" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "be alert to the" and "pay attention to the"?

"Be alert to the" implies a state of readiness to notice something, while "pay attention to the" suggests actively focusing on something. Use "pay attention to the" when active focus is needed, and "be alert to the" when general awareness is sufficient.

How do I use "be alert to the" effectively in a sentence?

To use "be alert to the" effectively, clearly state what one should be aware of. For instance, "Travelers should be alert to the potential for scams" provides clear direction. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject of alertness.