have been alarmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been alarmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of being startled or concerned that has occurred over a period of time up to the present. Example: "Many residents have been alarmed by the sudden increase in crime rates in their neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your parents must have been alarmed.

The New York Times - Magazine

I have been alarmed by a number of incidents".

Independent

They might even have been alarmed at the scope of Mr Obama's immigration actions.

The Economist

Many women's rights advocates have been alarmed by the government's proposals.

The New York Times

At a different fast-food restaurant, the manager might have been alarmed.

The New York Times

There's no reason that Semenya or her coaches would have been alarmed if she were amenorrheic.

The New Yorker

Western officials have been alarmed by the speed and scale of Moscow's intervention in Syria.

The New York Times

Politicians of every party have been alarmed by the rise of the machines.

The Guardian

Scientists have been alarmed by the decrease in rainfall in the subtropics, fearing it will exacerbate areas already experiencing drought.

Princeton University

Many in Israel have been alarmed by the religious dimension to the killings.

The Guardian

But what's astonishing is that nobody seems to have been alarmed by this development.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been alarmed", ensure the context clearly specifies what caused the alarm and, if relevant, the duration or intensity of the feeling. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "have been alarmed" for trivial or insignificant matters. Reserve it for situations where the concern is genuine and substantial to maintain the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been alarmed" functions as a passive verb construction indicating a state of heightened concern or apprehension that has persisted over time. Ludwig AI shows that this construction often describes reactions to disturbing events or trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been alarmed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a state of concern or apprehension, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and Academia. To enhance clarity, always specify the cause of alarm. While alternatives like "have been worried" exist, they carry slightly different connotations. Use "have been alarmed" judiciously, reserving it for situations warranting genuine concern. Ludwig's examples underscore the phrase's versatility and relevance in contemporary English discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been worried

Replaces "alarmed" with a more general term for concern.

have been concerned

Similar to "worried" but can also imply a sense of responsibility or care.

have been disturbed

Suggests a disruption of peace of mind.

have been apprehensive

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or fear about the future.

have been anxious

Implies a state of worry and unease.

have been troubled

Suggests a state of being bothered or distressed.

have been unnerved

Implies a loss of composure or confidence.

have been agitated

Suggests a state of restlessness or irritation.

have been frightened

Indicates a feeling of fear or terror.

have been alerted

Focuses on the aspect of being informed of a potential danger or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "have been alarmed" in a sentence?

You can use "have been alarmed" to express concern or worry about something. For example: "Residents "have been alarmed" by the increasing number of burglaries in the area."

What's the difference between "have been alarmed" and "have been worried"?

"Have been alarmed" suggests a sudden awareness of danger or a problem, while "have been worried" implies a more prolonged state of concern. The intensity of alarm is generally higher than worry.

Which is correct, "have been alarmed by" or "have been alarmed at"?

Both "have been alarmed by" and "have been alarmed at" are grammatically correct, but "have been alarmed by" is more commonly used. "Have been alarmed at" is often used when referring to a specific event or action.

What can I say instead of "have been alarmed"?

You can use alternatives like "have been concerned", "have been disturbed", or "have been apprehensive" depending on the specific context.