grounds for alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grounds for alarm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasons or justifications for concern or worry about a particular situation. Example: "The recent spike in crime rates has raised significant grounds for alarm among the residents of the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But it is hardly as if the stable has general grounds for alarm.

Independent

However, the experience of the Fifth Pay Commission (5PC), implemented in 1997, gives grounds for alarm.

The Economist

The recent increase in tension has created "grounds for alarm," he said on a visit here.

The New York Times

The young man, who stayed in the drygoods store unless there was some grounds for alarm, saw and heard everything.

The New Yorker

Similarly, Article 9, proclaiming that EU law "shall have primacy over the law of the member-states", may well jolt those many Europeans who do not follow these matters closely, but it has actually been true for over 40 years.Nonetheless, those who fear a further centralisation of power in Brussels have grounds for alarm.

The Economist

Meanwhile, images of heavily armed special forces training the newly created pacification police units, or UPP, is also grounds for alarm.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Neither kind of risk is grounds for immediate alarm.

The Economist

The Americans had reason for alarm.

The New York Times - Health

"There is no reason for alarm".

Los Angeles Times

Just when New Yorkers thought they had seen it all this winter, along came a new cause for alarm on Wednesday: ice, a danger on the ground and from above.

The New York Times

Or maybe for alarm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grounds for alarm", ensure the context clearly specifies what is causing the concern. Be specific rather than vague to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "grounds for alarm" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant significant concern or action, to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grounds for alarm" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a reason or justification for feeling worried or concerned. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting situations that warrant concern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grounds for alarm" is a phrase used to indicate that a situation or set of circumstances provides a valid reason for concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in formal and business contexts. While alternatives like ""reason for concern"" and "cause for alarm" exist, "grounds for alarm" suggests a more considered and reasoned basis for worry. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the source of the concern to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for concern

Focuses on the presence of something that causes worry.

cause for concern

Emphasizes the existence of something that should prompt worry.

reason to worry

Highlights the justification for feeling anxious.

cause to worry

Similar to "reason to worry" but places more emphasis on the origin of the worry.

justification for concern

More formal and emphasizes the validity of the concern.

basis for apprehension

More formal, suggesting a foundation for feeling uneasy or fearful.

source of anxiety

Focuses on the origin of the feeling of anxiety.

matter for disquiet

Highlights an issue causing unease or disturbance.

warrant for alarm

Indicates that the situation justifies a state of heightened alert.

excuse for trepidation

Suggests a reason why someone might feel fear or hesitation.

FAQs

How can I use "grounds for alarm" in a sentence?

You can use "grounds for alarm" to indicate that there are reasons to be worried or concerned about something. For example, "The company's declining profits are "grounds for alarm" among investors".

What's a more formal alternative to "grounds for alarm"?

A more formal alternative is "justification for concern". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts where a more serious tone is required.

Is "cause for alarm" or "grounds for alarm" more correct?

Both "cause for alarm" and "grounds for alarm" are correct and widely used. They have similar meanings, though "grounds for alarm" may subtly suggest a more considered or reasoned basis for the concern.

What are some situations where it's appropriate to use the phrase "grounds for alarm"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase when discussing serious issues such as economic downturns, public health crises, environmental threats, or any situation where there is legitimate "reason for concern".