being alerted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being alerted to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of being made aware of something or notified about an issue or event. Example: "The team was being alerted to the potential risks associated with the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After being alerted to the rock slide by another hiker, emergency workers rushed to the scene.

The New York Times

All the charities involved say they have ended the practice after being alerted to the investigation.

The Guardian - Money

The referee had awarded Cardiff a penalty after being alerted to a handball.

The Guardian - Sport

The Transportation Department, after being alerted to the ads by a reporter, sent Sony a letter on Thursday.

The New York Times

After being alerted to the threat of the parasite, the host responds to prevent the parasite from invading.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Harding told ITV's Good Morning Britain that TalkTalk moved as fast as possible after being alerted to the hack.

The Guardian - Business

A traditionally tidy nation is being alerted to the danger, sometimes fatal, that refuse poses to livestock.

The New York Times

But Virginia law requires prosecutors to press charges within a year of being alerted to possible legal violations.

The Washington Post

Last night, after being alerted to the story by the Guardian, Sky launched an investigation and suspended the journalists involved.

The Guardian

Lamara Bell, 25, was found alongside her dead boyfriend near the M9 near Stirling on Wednesday despite the police being alerted to the accident on Sunday.

Independent

After being alerted to the announcement on Twitter, the trust replied to the "great news" saying it "couldn't be prouder of him".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer more direct alternatives when writing in active voice and when the source of the alert is known and relevant. For example: "A hiker alerted emergency workers to the rock slide" is more direct than "Emergency workers rushed to the scene after being alerted to the rock slide by another hiker."

Common error

Avoid using "being alerted to" when a more active voice would be clearer and more concise. Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Instead of "The problem was being alerted to by the team", consider "The team alerted us to the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being alerted to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is receiving a notification or warning. As Ludwig AI explains, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being alerted to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for expressing the act of becoming aware of something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a passive construction with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. The phrase is especially common in news and media reporting, where it's used to convey important information or warnings. While versatile, it's advisable to consider active voice alternatives for clearer, more direct writing, especially when the source of the alert is relevant. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication. Consider alternatives such as "being informed of" or "being made aware of" based on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being made aware of

This alternative is more formal and passive, similar to the original.

becoming aware of

This alternative is a more direct and active way of expressing the same idea.

receiving notification of

Highlights receiving an official or formal notice.

being notified of

This emphasizes the act of receiving an official notification.

being informed about

This suggests a more formal conveyance of information.

having knowledge of

This highlights the state of possessing information.

finding out about

This suggests discovering information, possibly through investigation.

learning about

This focuses on the process of gaining information.

becoming cognizant of

This is a more formal and academic way to express awareness.

getting wind of

This idiom suggests hearing about something informally or secretively.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "being alerted to" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "being informed of" or "being made aware of" to maintain a professional tone. These alternatives convey a similar meaning while emphasizing the formal transfer of information.

What is a less formal alternative to "being alerted to"?

For less formal situations, you might use "finding out about" or "hearing about". These options suggest a more casual discovery of information.

Is it correct to use "being alerted of" instead of "being alerted to"?

The correct and more common usage is "being alerted to". While "being alerted of" might be understood, it is not standard English and should be avoided in formal writing. It's better to say, "I was "being alerted to" the issue" not "I was alerted of the issue".

When should I use the passive voice construction "being alerted to"?

Use the passive voice with ""being alerted to"" when the focus is on the recipient of the information rather than the source. For instance, "The police were "being alerted to" the crime" emphasizes the police response, not who reported the crime.