be alerted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be alerted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to inform someone to be aware of something or to pay attention to a specific situation. Example: "Please be alerted to the changes in the schedule for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The driver would be alerted by a warning light.

The New York Times

Again, health officials would be alerted to begin investigating.

The New York Times

Viewers will be alerted when product placement is being used.

The Guardian

The pharmacist will probably be alerted by their system about dangerous combinations.

The New York Times

Dozens of people on our transplant team will be alerted: cardiologists, nurses, anesthesiologists, surgeons, intensivists, perfusionists.

The New York Times

If and when a decision is made, the media will be alerted immediately".

The New York Times

Owners may be alerted to the problem by the check engine light.

The New York Times

She added: "I think we need to be alerted very early on.

The New York Times - Sports

Usually, you can ask to be alerted by email if something you want comes up.

The Guardian - Money

Parents should be alerted to "tip-offs" that are often subtle and easily hidden.

The New York Times

Motorists will be alerted to a malfunction by the air bag warning light, she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be alerted" when you want to emphasize that someone will receive a notification about a specific event or condition. For example, "Users will be alerted if the system detects suspicious activity."

Common error

Avoid using "be alerted" in active voice constructions. The phrase is inherently passive, so rephrase the sentence to maintain grammatical accuracy. Instead of saying "The system will alert users", use "Users will be alerted by the system".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be alerted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of an alert. Ludwig's examples show it's used to convey notifications or warnings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be alerted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that indicates someone will receive a notification or warning. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It's crucial to maintain the passive voice and choose appropriate alternatives like "be notified" or "be warned" depending on the specific context. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase commonly appears in news, science, and general informational sources. This makes it a versatile choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be notified

Focuses on the act of receiving official notification.

receive an alert

Focuses on the action of getting an alert.

be warned

Highlights the cautionary aspect of the notification.

be forewarned

Emphasizes advance warning to prepare for something.

be informed

Emphasizes the receipt of information, often without a sense of urgency.

be made aware

Stresses the process of becoming conscious of something.

be apprised

Implies formal or official communication of information.

be advised

Suggests a more formal and often official notification.

be tipped off

Indicates receiving a discreet or informal warning.

be clued in

Implies gaining access to insider knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "be alerted" in a sentence?

You can use "be alerted" to indicate that someone will receive a notification or warning. For instance, "Customers will be alerted to any changes in their account status". This passive construction emphasizes the recipient of the alert.

What's the difference between "be alerted" and "be warned"?

"Be alerted" generally means receiving a notification or signal, while "be warned" specifically implies receiving a caution about potential danger or negative consequences. "You will be alerted when the package arrives" versus "You have "be warned" about the risks involved".

What are some alternatives to "be alerted"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be notified", "be informed", or "be made aware". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become alerted" instead of "be alerted"?

While "become alerted" is grammatically understandable, "be alerted" is the more common and idiomatic choice. "Become alerted" suggests a process of gradually becoming aware, while "be alerted" implies a more direct notification.