highly alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly alarming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes a significant level of concern or fear. Example: "The recent spike in crime rates is highly alarming to the residents of the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Harry was incidentally the only journalist ever to travel in Bluebird and for all his bravery as a cragsman, he found the experience highly alarming.

The Guardian

The endemic clonal dissemination and multi-drug resistance of CRPA isolates in our institution is highly alarming.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

The development is, one suspects, highly alarming to the people who run the city.

The New Yorker

At this year's Television Critics Association meetings, FX's C.E.O., John Landgraf, a prolific producer himself, presented a report that was highly alarming, at least to television critics.

The New Yorker

"That is highly alarming," they added, "given the prominence attached in the historical literature to trade destruction as a factor compounding the Great Depression".

The New York Times

(Which, when they appear to check on me, can be highly alarming for those people we will have to refer to as "the staff" – although obviously they are not my staff).

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I was highly alarmed by the information I was receiving.

The New York Times

Orbán's pronouncement highly alarmed the opposition and prompted an outraged reaction in the foreign press.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She, for example, was highly alarmed by the talks I had had with Ronald Reagan in Reykjavik about a world without nuclear weapons, about an agreement to eliminate medium-range missiles.

The New York Times

The US is highly alarmed at the prospect of any increase in tensions between Pakistan and India, not only because of the broad implications for security in the region (both countries possess nuclear weapons) but also because any deployment of Pakistani troops to its eastern border (with India) would lessen its effectiveness fighting militants in its north-western areas (bordering Afghanistan).

The Economist

A spokesman for the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said Mr. Ban was "highly alarmed by the excessive use of force employed by the security forces against protesters" and underlined "the importance of an atmosphere of calm to support Egypt's electoral process as part of its transition to democracy and the early establishment of civilian rule".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly alarming", consider the audience and adjust your language to match the level of formality required. While appropriate in news and scientific contexts, consider more nuanced phrasing for sensitive personal communications.

Common error

Avoid using "highly alarming" in everyday, informal conversations where less intense expressions of concern would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when genuinely serious situations arise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly alarming" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as something that causes a significant level of concern or fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate and usable. This is evident in examples where it describes situations like "the experience" or "the prospect of any increase in tensions".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6.67%

Less common in

Wiki

3.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly alarming" is a common and correct adjectival phrase used to describe situations causing significant concern or fear. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English. It is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts to convey seriousness and urgency. Alternatives include "extremely concerning" or "deeply troubling". While the phrase is suitable for formal writing, overuse in casual conversation should be avoided. Understanding its usage and context ensures effective communication when conveying serious concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely concerning

Emphasizes the worry and apprehension caused by the situation rather than the immediate danger.

deeply troubling

Highlights the disturbing nature of the situation and its potential negative consequences.

gravely worrisome

Stresses the seriousness and potential for adverse outcomes.

seriously disturbing

Focuses on the unsettling and disruptive impact of the situation.

cause for great concern

Indicates that the situation warrants significant attention and worry.

raises serious questions

Highlights the doubts and uncertainties surrounding the situation.

a matter of grave importance

Emphasizes the urgency and significance of addressing the situation.

provokes considerable anxiety

Focuses on the emotional response and unease generated by the situation.

of significant alarm

Rephrases to emphasize the feeling of alert and heightened awareness.

reason for significant unease

Highlights the discomfort and disquiet the situation produces.

FAQs

How can I use "highly alarming" in a sentence?

You can use "highly alarming" to describe something that causes significant concern. For example: "The spread of the virus is "highly alarming"."

What are some alternatives to "highly alarming"?

Alternatives include "extremely concerning", "deeply troubling", or "gravely worrisome", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "highly alarming" in formal writing?

Yes, "highly alarming" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, scientific papers, and official statements where a strong sense of concern needs to be conveyed.

What makes something "highly alarming" versus just "alarming"?

The addition of "highly" intensifies the level of concern, suggesting that the situation is significantly more serious or urgent than something that is merely alarming. It signifies a heightened state of alert and worry.