don't be alarmed

USAGE SUMMARY

"don't be alarmed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to reassure someone that everything is okay. For example: "The siren was just a test run, don't be alarmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But don't be alarmed.

The New York Times

Don't be alarmed.

The New Yorker

"Don't be alarmed," he says.

The Guardian - Music

"So don't be alarmed," he added.

The New York Times - Arts

Don't be alarmed if the liquid becomes fizzy.

The New York Times

If they don't look like they're cooking, don't be alarmed.

The New York Times

Don't be alarmed at all the potential fruits you're removing.

The New York Times - Style

(Don't be alarmed. He means getting a trade).

The Guardian

If someone followed, don't be alarmed, Rosa told Kwambai.

The New York Times - Sports

(Don't be alarmed – he was "just trying to scare me").

The Guardian - Opinion

Don't be alarmed by the colour in the bottle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "don't be alarmed" to preface potentially unsettling information with the goal of reducing anxiety or overreaction. This is useful when explaining a situation that might initially seem negative but has a positive or neutral explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "don't be alarmed" when the situation is genuinely dangerous or requires immediate action. In such cases, direct instructions or warnings are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't be alarmed" primarily functions as an imperative, issuing a command or instruction. It's used to reassure the listener or reader that a situation, while potentially surprising or concerning, does not warrant fear or panic. Ludwig provides examples showing the phrase's usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

38%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "don't be alarmed" is a versatile imperative phrase used to preemptively quell anxiety by indicating that a potentially worrisome situation is not as dire as it seems. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its usage is common in news and media, as well as on wikis, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. Remember to deploy this phrase judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the actual severity of the situation to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience. It's best used when providing explanations or context that can alleviate initial concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not worry

Directly advises against worry, suitable for general reassurance.

there's no need to worry

Emphasizes the lack of justification for concern.

rest assured

Offers a strong assurance that everything is under control.

do not panic

Specifically addresses the avoidance of panic, useful in potentially stressful situations.

stay calm

Instructs to maintain composure, often in the face of unexpected events.

keep calm

Similar to "stay calm", but can also imply a previously existing state of calmness.

there's nothing to fear

Reassures that no danger is present.

no need to be afraid

Directly addresses and dismisses potential fear.

do not be concerned

A more formal way of advising against worry or unease.

everything is fine

Simple assurance that all is well, suitable for various situations.

FAQs

How can I use "don't be alarmed" in a sentence?

You can use "don't be alarmed" to preface information that might initially cause concern. For instance, "Don't be alarmed, but we're making some changes to the project timeline."

What can I say instead of "don't be alarmed"?

You can use alternatives like "do not worry", "rest assured", or "there's no need to worry" depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use "don't be alarmed"?

It's inappropriate to use "don't be alarmed" when there is genuine and immediate danger. Direct warnings are more suitable in those scenarios.

What is the tone conveyed by the phrase "don't be alarmed"?

The phrase "don't be alarmed" conveys a reassuring tone, suggesting that while the information might seem concerning, there's no real cause for worry.